IN tough times, the Greater Shepparton community jumps into action, and the response to the recent bushfires in neighbouring districts has been nothing short of amazing.
Greater Shepparton City Council established a Bushfire Donation Drop-Off Centre at the Shepparton Showgrounds on Saturday, January 9, and within five hours, 22 fruit bins were full of community donations, which were delivered to the Seymour Relief Centre the following day.
The Drop-Off Centre was re-opened last week on Wednesday and Thursday, January 14 and 15, with the community rallying to fill a further two semi-trailer trucks with donations. Donations were delivered to the Seymour Relief Centre on Friday.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the community response was nothing short of amazing, with a total of 85 fruit bins filled with donations, including thousands of kilograms of pantry items, toiletries, bottled water and essential supplies, along with more than 4,000 litres of long-life milk.
“These items are already being distributed and utilised by people impacted by the fires. These community members have been visiting the Seymour Relief Centre to collect what they need, as well as the items being distributed directly to the impacted towns to disperse as required.”
“I couldn’t be prouder of the Greater Shepparton community for their generosity over the past week. We know how to support one another and rally behind our neighbours during tough times, and the response shown by the community was nothing short of amazing,” Cr Sali said.
In addition to coordinating the Donation Drop-Off Centre, Council has assisted neighbouring councils with staff and resourcing, including Emergency Management support and Communications. Cr Sali said, “This will continue as we support their transition to recovery, including deploying staff on the ground where needed.”
For those who would still like to help, there are ongoing ways to contribute:
• Cash donations can be made via the 2026 Victorian Bushfire Appeal (state-coordinated to support relief and recovery for affected communities): https://www.vic.gov.au/2026-Victorian-Bushfire-Appeal
• Clothing donations can be made through local charities, including the Salvation Army:
Bushfire-affected residents may also be eligible for State Government Emergency Relief Payments, with further information available via https://www.vic.gov.au/january-2026-victorian-bushfires
