25 February 2026
Goomalibee finally receives long-awaited bushfire disaster support
After months of sustained advocacy from local residents, volunteers and the broader community, Goomalibee has now been formally recognised for disaster recovery assistance following the devastating bushfire that began on 18 December 2025.
The Nationals, Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland MP said the inclusion of Goomalibee under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements is an important and hard-fought milestone for families, farmers and property owners who have been doing it tough for far too long.
“This recognition is overdue, but it is very welcome,” Ms Cleeland said.
“For months, people in Goomalibee have been rebuilding their lives with limited support while continuing to deal with the emotional and financial toll of this fire. This announcement finally acknowledges the scale of what our community went through.”
The newly available assistance will help eligible residents access a range of recovery measures, including emergency relief, clean-up support and the restoration of essential community assets.
Ms Cleeland said the outcome was the result of persistent local advocacy.
“This has been driven by the strength and determination of the Goomalibee community and the tireless work of local volunteers who refused to let their town be overlooked,” Ms Cleeland said.
“I particularly want to acknowledge the local leaders and volunteers who kept pushing for recognition when it would have been easier to give up.”
While welcoming the announcement, Ms Cleeland said recovery was far from over.
“Many local families and primary producers are still carrying significant costs from this fire,” Ms Cleeland said.
“We will continue to advocate for further targeted support, particularly for our farming community, to ensure Goomalibee is not left behind during the long recovery process.”
Ms Cleeland encouraged affected residents to seek advice on the assistance available and to register for support through recovery services.
“Help is now available, and I strongly urge anyone impacted to come forward and access the support they are entitled to,” Ms Cleeland said.