Victorian Businesses Affected by the Bushfires Need Your Help — Here's How You Can Show Your Support
Small businesses, farmers, and communities are struggling in the wake of the Victorian bushfires — these are just some of the ways you can help.
Bushfire-affected communities are doing it tough across Victoria right now. So far, upwards of 700 structures have been destroyed, and more than 1000 agricultural properties have been impacted. With community support needed more than ever, we've put together a list of ways you can donate to leading bodies, fundraise for devastated businesses or dine and shop with those contributing essential funds to the cause.
Donate to the VFF Disaster Relief Fund
Activated in times of crisis, the Victorian Farmers' Federation (VFF) Disaster Relief Fund provides much-needed financial support to bushfire-affected farmers as soon as possible. The peak advocacy body has just put out a call, asking for the public to dig deep and provide financial support. Head to the website to donate.
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Show Your Support for Fowles Wines
Situated on 300 acres in Avenel, the long-standing winery Fowles Wine has been severely damaged, with the family behind the business losing their home, sheds, vineyards and most of their livestock. While the cellar door and restaurant have survived, Fowles says people can support their recovery by making a wine purchase through the website, joining the wine club or visiting the cellar door once it reopens.
Moondrop x Mel Hack Bushfire Donations
New Shanghai-inspired cocktail bar, Moondrop is hosting Canada-based whiskey specialist Mel Hack for its first-ever guest shift. Having worked at some of the world's best whisky bars, Hack is teaming up with Moondrop's Jesse Kourmouzis to serve four cocktails showcasing Canadian and Asian flavours. Held from 5–10pm on Saturday, January 17, $1 from every cocktail purchase will be donated in support of the Australian bushfires. Head to Instagram for more information.
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Harcourt Fundraiser at The Victoria Hotel Woodend with Rock & Ranges
With the destroyed Harcourt Cooperative Cool Store housing products and produce for over 90 small businesses, Rock & Ranges Brewing Co-operative lost all but two kegs in the blaze. The team is donating these to a fundraiser, held from 12pm on Sunday, January 18, at The Victoria Hotel Woodend, with all beer sales going towards those impacted by the Harcourt fires. Head to Instagram for more information.
Donate to Henry of Harcourt
Operating since 1994, Henry of Harcourt is a small family-run orchard and cider mill, specialising in top-notch dry ciders and over 40 varieties of apples. With the Harcourt fires devastating the Henry family's home, orchard and much-loved community space for regional traders, a fundraiser has been launched to help secure the business's future. Head to the GoFundMe to donate.
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Donate to Maison LAPALUS and Maidenii
Also found at the Harcourt Cooperative Cool Store were the operations of winemaker Maison LAPALUS and vermouth brand Maidenii. Led by culinary community stalwarts Shaun Byrne and Gilles Lapalus, the businesses lost vital stock, equipment, and raw materials in the fires, including a ten-year-old solera system used to age liquors. Head to the GoFundMe to donate.
Donate to A Glass Of
Independent wine business A Glass Of was another business decimated by the Harcourt fires. Launched in 2020, it offers a curated collection of wines, hand-picked by restaurant sommeliers and delivered in 200-millilitre recyclable pouches. The business has lost all equipment, wine and packaging, so any support goes a long way. Head to the GoFundMe to donate.
Donate to Coolstore Cafe
Running alongside the local storage facility, Coolstore is a cherished local cafe serving coffee, cake and light lunches. Opened in August 2024, owners Bonnie and Remy Sowman have lost their business and income, with a fundraiser up and running to help the couple and their three kids get back on their feet. Head to the GoFundMe to donate.
Shop with High Country at Home
With the bushfires directly impacting crucial tourist numbers exploring rural Victoria, you can lend your support by buying from small businesses through High Country at Home. This digital platform by Tourism North East lists locally made products, including cool-climate wines, handcrafted homewares and premium chocolates, while offering a way to book future stays and experiences. Head to the website to make a purchase.
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600 Above 20 Percent Donations
Located in Woodend, local wine bar 600 Above has showcased local wineries, breweries, and distilleries since 2023. On Sunday, January 18, the venue will donate 20 percent of all sales to the Harcourt community, helping to support those most impacted by the fires. Head to Instagram for more information.
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