Emergency Relief Centre now closed
Published on 10 January 2026
Update 22 January 2026: The Emergency Relief Centre (ERC) at the Whittlesea Community Activity Centre has now closed. An information centre is open at Yea Community Centre, 15 The Semi Circle, Yea and Yarck Public Hall, 6583 Maroondah Highway, Yarck.
The ERC is available for people who are evacuating from the fires impacting areas surrounding the City of Whittlesea and need a safe place to go, rest, or access basic support.
Larger animals can be accommodated at the Whittlesea Showgrounds, but owners are responsible for their care.
The ERC provides support and relief services for people in affected areas, who may have been displaced or who need access to a range of emergency relief services. These include:
- The Red Cross, who can help people register so their family and friends know that they are safe.
- Staff from the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing who can help with applications for hardship and emergency relief payments.
- Staff who can help organise temporary accommodation.
- St. John Ambulance for advice and basic medical needs and first aid.
- Victoria Police.
- Counselling services.
The ERC also provides food and drink, along with basic essentials.
For the latest, official emergency information, including warnings, road closures and evacuation advice, please stay informed through:
Council is working closely with emergency services and partner agencies and will share updates as appropriate.