Castlemaine Mail · Mar 27, 2026

Relief Continues

Lily Tuck Hard News

A Disaster Relief Australia volunteer clearing a fire-damaged tree with a chainsaw.

A DRA volunteer clears a fire-damaged tree with a chainsaw.

Disaster Relief Australia crews have returned to the region to continue recovery efforts following January's Harcourt-Ravenswood fire.

More than 90 Disaster Relief Australia volunteers have been deployed so far, working alongside the 192 volunteers from NAB Foundation Recovery Crew.

Together, they have spent over 5000 hours in the field helping residents in and around Harcourt, Grass Flat, Streatham, and Longwood.

Volunteers clearing branches from a fire-affected property.

Volunteers clear branches from a fire-affected property.

The January Harcourt-Ravenswood fire burnt 4500 hectares and destroyed more than 50 homes and several businesses. Crews have cleared debris, felled fire-damaged trees, and removed unsafe structures from affected properties.

Following the short break after concluding wave two of operations on February 26, 25 DRA volunteers have returned and are based at the newly renovated Wesleyan Church in Chewton. The return comes at the request of Emergency Recovery Victoria.

DRA crew stacking cleared timber into a log pile.

DRA crew stack cleared timber ready for collection.

The work of Disaster Relief Australia has also supported rebuilding efforts, including clearing fence lines to allow BlazeAid crews to begin fencing. Crews will continue clean-up work across the region in the coming weeks.