How to help

Keep checking on this page to find out about how you can help people affected by the fires.

Donate
  • Harcourt Progress Association has set up a Go Fund Me. All funds raised through this campaign will be directed back into the Harcourt community to support individuals and families affected by the bushfires. Donate here.
  • Bendigo Bank is accepting financial donations that will go to community groups helping people impacted by the fires. Donations given to support a specific impacted area will remain within that community to aid its recovery. Donate here.
  • Harcourt Football Netball Club have set up a fund for members who have been impacted by the bushfires. Donate here.
  • CFA Taradale have set up a Go Fund Me for volunteer firefighters who have lost their home. Donate here.
  • Trust for Nature have a Landholder Support Bushfire Recovery Appeal. Donate here.
  • Castlemaine Community House is accepting donations of food and toiletries to their community pantry. It is open from 10.00am to 3.00pm, Monday to Friday.
  • Harcourt Bushfire Donation Centre is located at 5 Johnstone Street Castlemaine (old Mitsubishi building).
    Note: the centre is at maximum capacity. Please hold donations until further notice.

    For enquiries email HarcourtRelief@gmail.com or call 03 5415 3101.

Volunteer
  • Castlemaine Community House, Harcourt Valley Community House, Harcourt Progress Association, Castlemaine Community Investment Co-op, Lions Club, Landcare groups, Connecting Country and others are creating a volunteer and equipment register to support long-term bushfire recovery. Individuals and groups can register skills, time, or equipment for activities such as clean-up, insurance workshops, fencing, repairs, re-vegetation, tech support, rebuilding, and fundraising. Info here.
  • Castlemaine Meal Train is collecting and distributing homemade meals, nappies, kids clothing and toys to families with children that have been affected by the fires. To support this effort, email castlemainemealtrain@gmail.com with 'HELPER' in the subject line.
  • CFA Taradale are encouraging community members to sign up to volunteer. Info here.
  • Central Victoria CWA is collecting squares and sewing them together to make blankets for those affected by the bushfires. If you can help with knitting or crocheting squares (20cm by 20cm, 8ply/DK yarn) they can be dropped off at the Ray Bradfield rooms in Castlemaine on Thursdays between 1.30pm and 3.30pm, or posted to Dani Kent at PO Box 1047, Castlemaine VIC 3450. They are also open for coffee and chatting while they sew the blankets together, so come along and have a chat with their volunteers
Fundraisers
  • The Albion Castlemaine is hosting a Valentine's Day dinner and auction called Share the Love. Saturday 14 February. Food by Thibault Ledesma, auction of works by local artists and makers, portrait painting, live music and DJs. Book here.
  • Share the Love is a Valentine's Day Concert on Saturday 14 February from 12.00pm till late at the Old Castlemaine Gaol. The day includes children's activities, a singing workshop, face painting and games, a wildlife education display, market stalls, food vans, an art auction, craft displays, sound healing, and live music. Entry by donation. Info on Facebook.
  • Harcourt Re-Sprouting 2026 – Help Harcourt Heal is a special day at Woop Woop Mini Golf and Sculpture Gardens. Everything is free including your entry to the event, BBQ, mini golf kid's entertainment and games. Take part in the Jumbo Fundraiser Auction & Mega Raffle – every bid will go towards helping Harcourt continue to heal and grow. Saturday 21 February, 9.00am to 4.00pm. More info on Facebook.
  • Harcourt Rising is a concert for fire relief hosted by Shedshaker on Saturday 21 February. Lineup features Hunters, OK Darling and Breaker Breaker. Tickets are sold out but a waitlist is available.
  • Victorian Miniature Railway is hosting Rising from the Ashes, a fundraiser including train rides and a sausage sizzle. Saturday 21 to Sunday 22 February, 8.00am to 5.00pm at Harcourt Miniature Railway. $10 per ticket. Info on Facebook and Instagram.
  • Horizon is a bushfire benefit gig at The Golden Vine Hotel. Sunday 15 March, 2.00pm. Tickets $35, presale $30. Buy tickets here.