At this challenging time, our thoughts are with all rural and regional communities affected by fires and all those working tirelessly to prevent further loss and devastation. We encourage you to stay informed and remain safe wherever possible. If you are keen to help, reach out with kindness, offer practical help or supplies or simply listen. Over the coming weeks, the Victorian Rural Women’s Network will continue to connect and resource rural women through important information on its website, Facebook and Twitter pages.

On 3 January 2020, a State of Disaster was declared for the following parts of Victoria and the danger is ongoing:

• East Gippsland Shire
• Mansfield Shire
• Wellington Shire
• Wangaratta Rural Shire
• Towong Shire
• Alpine Shire
• Mount Buller Alpine Resort
• Mount Hotham Alpine Resort
• Mount Stirling Alpine Resort
• Falls Creek Alpine Resort

Please continue to monitor advice and warnings at emergency.vic.gov.au. The Victorian Government has partnered with Bendigo Bank and The Salvation Army to establish the Victorian Bushfire Appeal. One hundred per cent of donated funds will go directly to communities in need. You can donate at vic.gov.au/bushfireappeal.