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This article was published on Friday, 16 January, 2026. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Community generosity drives incredible response to assist neighbouring councils impacted by bushfires

In Summary

Greater Shepparton City Council’s Bushfire Donation Drop-Off Centre collected 22 fruit bins of donations within five hours on Saturday 9 January 2026, which were delivered to the Seymour Relief Centre the following day.
The Drop-Off Centre reopened on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 January 2026, with the community contributing enough donations to fill a further two semi-trailer trucks.
In total, 85 fruit bins of donations were collected, including thousands of kilograms of essential supplies and more than 4,000 litres of long-life milk, all delivered to support bushfire-affected communities.
Council continues to support neighbouring councils through staff and emergency management assistance, while directing those wishing to help to state-coordinated appeals and local charities.

Council established the Drop-Off Centre at the Shepparton Showgrounds on Saturday 9 January 2026, and within five hours 22 fruit bins were full of community donations which were delivered the following day to the Seymour Relief Centre.

The Drop-Off Centre was re-opened this week on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 January, with the community rallying behind our neighbours to fill a further two semi-trailer trucks with donations. These deliveries were made over the past few days, with the final semi-trailer being delivered to the Seymour Relief Centre today.

Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the community response was nothing short of amazing with a total of 85 fruit bins filled with donations, including thousands of kilograms of pantry items, toiletries, bottled water and essential supplies, along with more than 4,000 litres of long-life milk.

“I met with Strathbogie Shire Mayor, Cr Scott Jeffery, today at the Seymour Relief Centre and he was incredibly grateful for the generosity and kindness shown by the Greater Shepparton community over the past week,” he said.

“These items are already being distributed and utilised by people impacted by the fires. These community members have been visiting the Seymour Relief Centre to collect what they need, as well as the items being distributed directly to the impacted towns to disperse as required.”

“I couldn’t be prouder of the Greater Shepparton community for their generosity over the past week. We know how to support one another and rally behind our neighbours during tough times, and the response shown by the community was nothing short of amazing,” Cr Sali said.

“As well as coordinating the Donation Drop-Off Centre, Council has been assisting our neighbouring councils with staff and resourcing, including Emergency Management support and Communications. This will continue as we support their transition to recovery, including deploying staff on the ground where needed.”

For those who would still like to help, there are ongoing ways to contribute:

Cash donations can be made via the 2026 Victorian Bushfire Appeal (state-coordinated to support relief and recovery for affected communities): www.vic.gov.au/2026-Victorian-Bushfire-Appeal
Clothing donations can be made through local charities, including the Salvation Army: www.salvationarmy.org.au/shepparton/what-we-offer/thrift-shop/

Bushfire-affected residents may also be eligible for State Government Emergency Relief Payments, with further information available via www.vic.gov.au/january-2026-victorian-bushfires