WEST Wimmera Shire Council is providing dedicated support to residents affected by the recent bushfires, with relief and recovery efforts under way across the region.


The Little Desert bushfire has affected large areas of land in the shire, causing significant disruption to local communities.


To assist impacted community members, a recovery hub has been established at the Goroke Library, where council staff are available to provide support, guidance, and resources.


The centre will be open at various times depending on need, with updates on opening hours provided via council’s Facebook page.


For those unable to access Goroke due to road closures or ongoing fire activity, a support site in Kaniva will be announced shortly to ensure assistance is available to all affected residents.


Council has also appointed a dedicated recovery officer for residents requiring help or information.


Residents can contact Recovery Officer Michelle Ellis by phoning 0455 201 639 or emailing recovery@westwimmera.vic.gov.au.


Council staff are available to assist with immediate needs, provide recovery information and connect residents with relevant support services.


West Wimmera Shire Chief Executive Officer David Bezuidenhout encouraged residents to reach out for assistance.


“Our community’s safety and wellbeing are our top priorities,” he said.


“We understand the challenges that come with recovery, and we want to support residents as best we can.


“If you need help, please do not hesitate to contact our recovery team.”


Residents are encouraged to stay informed through VicEmergency for official fire updates and via council’s website and social media for ongoing recovery information.


Bushfire recovery information is also available at the website at www.westwimmera.vic.gov.au/Residents/Emergency-management/Bushfire-recovery.


On Sunday, VicEmergency announced that after more than 50 days of large fires in the landscape, emergency crews had contained the Grampians – Wallaby Track and Little Desert fires that started almost two weeks ago.


The fires were ignited by dry lightning on 27 January and ended up burning 95,000 hectares in the Little Desert region and 59,000 hectares in the Grampians Wallaby Rocks section.


“We appreciate the hard work of all emergency service personnel involved,” a spokesperson said.


“We also thank the community for their collaboration.


“Working together is pivotal to response and recovery efforts.”