The Emergency Recovery Support Program (ERSP) is delivered by Colac Area Health and funded by DFFH.
We’re here to help you plan your recovery
We would love to have a chat to find out if we can support you, your neighbours, friends or family.
We offer practical, face-to-face support to help you:
- Understand what needs to be done and where to start
- Explore the supports available to you
- Access the services you need
We do this by:
- Meeting you where you feel most comfortable — at home, in the community, at a café, hall, or another suitable place
- Listening to your needs and concerns
- Working with you to develop a personalised Support Action Plan
- Assisting with phone calls, paperwork, follow-ups, and helping to ease the load
We can also support you to access:
- Financial advice and assistance
- Information and guidance around insurance and legal matters
- Government services and registrations
- Local services and community supports
We will be onsite at the Gellibrand Community House and at Carlisle River School
Wednesday afternoons so please drop in and have a chat with us.
If you’re unable to attend, you can call 1800 560 760 to access support.
Severe weather events such as drought, bushfire and floods trigger huge distress on finances and workload that impacts on the wellbeing of you and your family.
There are a large number of support services across the Colac Otway Shire you can access to support you and your family at this time.
More Services available in the Colac Otway Shire here:
Gellibrand Water Update
Unfortunately, the Otway bushfires have impacted the Gellibrand Water Treatment plant. The Gellibrand Water Treatment Plant facility was built to the highest bushfire attack level rating and as a result our initial assessment has observed that key water treatment plant infrastructure is intact but will require some repairs to return to full service.
A non-drinking water supply is currently in place for all connected households and businesses in Gellibrand, with more than 240,000 litres carted to the towns clear water storage tank at the water treatment plant site over the past two days – this supply is supporting essential water needs such as flushing toilets, showering and washing clothes.
A fresh drinking water point within the Gellibrand township at Rex Norman Park just off Main Road, Gellibrand. Anyone can access this water with containers and water bottles. Further to this fresh drinking water supplies have also been arranged for the Gellibrand General Store and Gellibrand Hotel.
There are Victorian Government rebate programs for tank cleaning and refills:
Tank refill rebate program:
https://www.water.vic.gov.au/about-us/news/news-stories/emergency-relief-drinking-water-2026
Tank and roof cleaning rebate:
https://www.water.vic.gov.au/grants/recovery-water-tank-rebates
Bushfire Support Resources
If you or someone you know has been affected, the Victorian Government has a range of supports available. The most up-to-date information is available through VicEmergency.
For the latest VicEmergency update (30/01/2026) please click here
Immediate support and next steps
- Register for recovery support:
Call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760. This is the best first step to access financial assistance, accommodation, mental health support, and help navigating recovery services. - Insurance:
Contact your insurer as soon as possible if your property has been damaged or destroyed. - Payments and grants:
Information on Victorian and Australian Government disaster payments is available via VicEmergency and Services Australia. - Relief centres:
Local relief and recovery centres provide in-person support and practical assistance. - Mental health support:
Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Counselling and Mental Health Services – Colac, Otways and Great Ocean Road – More information on services through the PHN Western Victoria here
Emergency Recovery Victoria
Access here
Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH)
You can access information to a range of services available via the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing here
Emergency Support
If you are in immediate danger call 000
Life Line: T: 13 11 14 Support Toolkit | Lifeline
Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
MensLine Australia: T: 1300 78 99 78
Victorian Virtual Emergency Department: Access 24/7 for non-life-threatening emergencies. Click here .
For other Emergency Support see: Colac Otway Shire Services notice board here.
Financial and Legal Support
Rural Financial Counselling Services Western Region
Phone: 1300 735 578 or 03 5572 4540 | Email: [email protected]
Drought support package – Grants | Rural Finance or call Rural Finance on 1800 260 425
Australian Government Drought, disaster and rural support (For more information click here)
Colac Area Health Financial Counselling: T: 5232 5100 (For more information click here)
Gardiner Foundation: Click here
Colac Salvos Financial Counselling: T: 8873 5288
For more services: Colac Otway Shire Services
Food Relief/Laundry/Showers
Community Food Relief: Please click here
Colac Salvos: T: 0484 935 165 or click here
Bluewater Leisure Centre: T: 5232 9551
Wellbeing/Health/Mental Health
TIACS: Tradies, Truckies, Farmer Support – Text/call 0488 846 988 for FREE Counselling
Mental Health Services at Barwon Health: T: 1300 094 187 (For more information click here)
Colac Area Health Counselling Services: T:5232 5100 (For more information click here)
Colac Area Health Social Work/Welfare service: T: 5232 5100 (For more information click here)
headspace Colac: T: 1800 650 890
National Centre for Farmer Health | Managing Stress on the Farm (For more information click here)
LET’S TALK Colac: [email protected] (For more information click here)
For more services: Colac Otway Shire Services
Families and Parenting
Colac Area Health Family Support Services: T: 5232 5100 (For more information click here)
Orange Door Colac Access Point T: 5232 5100 OR 1800 312 820 (For more information click here)
Housing Supports
Colac Salvos: Please click here
For more Housing Support services: Colac Otway Shire Services
Quick Help Guides
Colac Area Health: Please click here
Colac Salvos: Please click here
Colac Otway Shire Services: Please click here
Band Together Colac – Hey Mate, We Have Your Back
The Band Together Colac – Hey Mate, We Have Your Back campaign: For more information click here
