Community
23 January, 2026
Skipton begins recovery from fires
CORANGAMITE Shire Council has praised the Skipton and district community following a destructive fire which impacted the region recently as fire recovery begins.
In addition to support from the council, Skipton residents are also being supported by volunteers from disaster relief organisation BlazeAid, who have set up camp at the Skipton Golf and Bowls Club.
Council opened a recovery hub at the Skipton Mechanics Hall on Sunday, January 11, from 10am to 4pm, which will connect impacted residents with services and support.
The centre will remain open until further notice.
Bottled water will be available at the Skipton hub for people who have no access to clean water as a result of the fire.
Red Cross delivered 50 slabs of water as part of the disaster response.
Mayor councillor Kate Makin applauded the community’s resilience during and after the fire.
“We want to acknowledge the incredible strength and resilience of the Skipton community,” she said.
“We know this has been an extremely difficult time, but the community has really shown its strength, banding together and supporting one another.
“Thank you also to all our amazing firefighters, emergency service volunteers and workers who have worked tirelessly over recent weeks.
“Your commitment and courage have protected lives and property, and we are deeply grateful.
“Skipton is proud of your dedication and the sacrifices you make to keep our community safe.”
BlazeAid Skipton camp coordinator Chris Male said the volunteers will be working with farmers during the recovery period with whatever repair works the Skipton community needs.
“We will support Skipton for as long as they need – be that three months, six months or twelve months,” she said.
“When the last farmer is happy and finished, we’ll up stakes and leave.
“We don’t put a timeline on it – we just do the job until the job’s finished.
“We pride ourselves on being the first ones in after a disaster and inevitably the last to leave.”
Mrs Male said she and her husband have been volunteering with BlazeAid for 15 years, but have never felt as welcomed as they have by the Skipton community.
“We’ve probably been in over 50 camps, but we’ve never been anywhere where we’ve been made to feel more welcome and supported than this community,” she said.
“The people of this facility have been so accommodating – nothing’s ever any trouble and everything is easy.
“I can’t speak highly enough of them – it’s so appreciated from our point of view.
“I think it’s an absolute reflection of the respect the community has garnered to the Australian public at large.
“It’s been overwhelming, and I think that’s very often a mark of respect – the community should be very proud of that.”
Council will be working alongside the community on relief and recovery during the days and weeks ahead.
“If you have any questions that need to be answered, please come to the recovery hub at the Skipton Mechanics Hall,” Cr Makin said.
“Our staff are here to help you.
“The recovery hub is a safe place for anyone impacted to get help and information.
“Whether you need advice, financial assistance, or just someone to talk to, we’re here for you.”
Recovery and support information is also available on council’s website at www.corangamite.vic.gov.au/SkiptonFire2026
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