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The fortnightly recovery newsletter helps to keep our fire‑affected communities informed and connected. It includes a wide range of information including latest community news, financial and wellbeing services, support payments, upcoming events, information sessions and more.
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Events
CFA Open Day at Harcourt and Castlemaine
Meet your local Emergency Service volunteers, explore the vehicles and equipment, see demonstrations and learn how you can Get Fire Ready.
- Displays and demonstrations.
- Chat with local emergency services
- Kids’ activities and face painting
- Sausage sizzle
Harcourt
When: Sunday 4 October, 9.30am-1pm
Where: Harcourt Fire Brigade Station, 51 High Street, Harcourt
Castlemaine
When: Sunday 4 October, 10am-2pm
Where: CFA Fire Station, 383 Barker Street, Castlemaine
Find out more on Shape Mount Alexander.
Learn how to support those affected by emergency events
Introduction to Personal Support for Community Leaders is a session about supporting and facilitating self-recovery following an emergency.
Learn simple, safe ways to support those affected by emergency events, your colleagues and yourself. This free session is ideal for community leaders, volunteers, and anyone supporting people impacted by emergencies.
When: Sunday 13 October, 12.00pm-2.00pm
Where: Harcourt Valley Community House
Bookings: Email: harcourtvalleych@gmail.com to book your place.
Harcourt Progress Association Annual General Meeting
Join HPA's Annual General Meeting.
When: 29 October, 7.00pm
Where: Harcourt Valley Community House
RSVP: bit.ly/HPC-AGM-RSVP
Please note: Only financial members have voting rights at the meeting and must have paid their dues 14 business days prior to the advertised meeting date (15 October 2026).
Summer Preparedness Series:
Emergency Services Panel - Campbells Creek
When emergencies happen, it can be difficult to know which agency is responsible for what, where to find reliable information, and what support may be available before, during and after an emergency.
Join us for this free community information session featuring representatives from a range of emergency services, government agencies and community organisations. Through a facilitated panel discussion, you'll hear directly from the people involved in emergency response, relief and recovery across our region.
The panel will explore:
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Who does what during an emergency
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How agencies work together to keep communities safe
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What the community can realistically expect from emergency services
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How emergency warnings and information are communicatedWhat support may be available after an emergency
- Practical steps you can take to prepare yourself, your family and your property
- There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and connect with agency representatives.
This event forms part of the Mount Alexander Shire Bushfire Recovery Team's ongoing community preparedness and resilience program following recent bushfires and extreme weather events.
When: 10.00am - 2.00pm, Thursday 15 October
Where: Campbells Creek Community Centre, 60 Elizabeth Street
Register: Register at Humanitix
Parent Information Sessions
These free sessions are designed for parents and carers to provide calm, practical, evidence-based guidance to help families prepare for the upcoming summer heatwaves and bushfire season.
Sessions will be delivered by Kate Templer, clinical psychologist living in Castlemaine with experience working with children, young people and their families, with separate supervised children’s activities and light catering.
Delivered by Castlemaine Community House and Dhelkaya Health.
Where: Harcourt Valley Primary School, 3 Wilkinson Street
When: Wednesday 4 November, 5.00pm - 7:00pm
Where: Chewton Primary School, 1 Hunter Street
When: Wednesday 11 November, 6.00pm - 8:00pm
Where: Campbells Creek Primary School, 127 Main Road
When: Wednesday 18 November, 6.00pm - 8:00pm
Where: Castlemaine Community House. 30 Templeton Street, Castlemaine
When: Friday 20th November 10:30am - 12:30pm
Register: Register at Humanitix
Develop your Emergency Plan: RediPlan Workshop Series
When emergencies happen, having a plan can make a significant difference. Whether it's bushfire, storm, flood, prolonged power outages, or other unexpected events, being prepared helps you make informed decisions, reduce stress, and support those around you.
Join the Mount Alexander Shire Bushfire Recovery Team and Australian Red Cross for a practical, hands-on workshop designed to help you develop your own personalised emergency plan using the RediPlan framework.
These workshops provide a supportive environment to think through your circumstances, consider the risks that may affect your household, and take practical steps towards being better prepared for emergencies.
During the workshop, we'll explore:
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What preparedness means and why it matters
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Why planning ahead can make a difference during emergencies
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How to prepare mentally and emotionally for emergency situations
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How to assess the risks and strengths unique to your household
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Practical actions you can take before an emergency occurs
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How to complete your own RediPlan
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Ways to build preparedness within your family, neighbourhood and community
Where: Newstead Community Centre, 9 Lyons Street
When: Tuesday 17 November, 7pm
Where: Maldon Neighbourhood Centre, 1 Church Street
When: Wednesday 11 November, 2pm (Community lunch 12-1pm)
Where: Harcourt Valley Community House, 23 Station Street
When: Friday 20 November, 2pm (Community lunch 12-1.30pm)
Where: Castlemaine Community House, 30 Templeton Street
When: Tuesday 24 November, 2pm (Community lunch 12-1.30pm)
Cost: Free event
Register: Register at Humanitix
Online Bushfire Recovery Hub
Council has launched an online Community Bushfire Recovery Hub, hosted on our Shape platform. This is your central place for recovery information. Access news updates, upcoming events, resources, and a community forum where you can ask questions, share information, and connect with others.
Visit the Community Bushfire Recovery Hub