_900.png "Strathbogie 2026 Bushfire Disaster Relief Fund Launched to Support Local Recovery")
Strathbogie 2026 Bushfire Disaster Relief Fund Launched to Support Local Recovery
Over January, our local community across the Strathbogie and Mitchell Shires faced devastating bushfires, with more than 130,000 hectares impacted throughout the Strathbogie Ranges.
Many local farmers, vineyard owners and wineries have suffered extensive losses, including homes, sheds, farmland, vineyards and livestock. While Tahbilk Estate itself was not directly affected, a number of our team members and friends of Tahbilk who live in nearby communities such as Avenel, Longwood, Locksley, Ruffy, Whiteheads Creek and across the Strathbogie Ranges have been deeply impacted.
The past few weeks have been incredibly challenging for the region. Beyond the immediate damage, the emotional and practical effects of these fires will be felt for a long time to come.
In response, a new Strathbogie 2026 Bushfire Disaster Relief Fund has been established to provide direct, meaningful support to individuals, families, communities and businesses affected by the fires across the Strathbogie and Mitchell Shires.
Tahbilk Estate’s Alister Purbrick has become involved as an advisor to the Fund, which is locally governed and administered through the Australian Communities Foundation (ACF). This structure ensures strong governance, financial oversight and transparency, with a local Community Advisory Committee guiding decision-making so funds are directed where they will have the greatest and most sustainable impact on recovery.
“The priority right now is building the pool of funds so meaningful, locally targeted support can be delivered,” Alister Purbrick said. “Donors can give with confidence knowing contributions will be managed responsibly, transparently, and with maximum local impact.”
The collective goal is to raise more than $5 million to ensure long-term recovery support is available where it is most needed.
The Fund is specifically focused on recovery within the Strathbogie and Mitchell Shires. Separate funds supporting the Murrindindi region are being administered through other entities, including Foundation Murrindindi.
If you would like to learn more or support this effort, further information is available via the Strathbogie Disaster Relief Fund website:
www.strathbogiedisasterrelief.com
Questions regarding charitable contributions can be directed to:
donors@strathbogiedisasterrelief.com
Thank you for the care, compassion and support shown to our broader community during this incredibly difficult time.
