MURRINDINDI SHIRE, VIC. — Murrindindi Shire Council is inviting community members affected by the January 2026 bushfires to express interest in joining the Murrindindi Municipal Recovery Committee (MMRC).
Murrindindi Shire is seeking to appoint up to five community representatives through this process. The MMRC will include up to six community representatives in total, including a nominated representative from the Highlands and District Community Recovery Committee.
The MMRC provides governance and coordination for recovery and monitoring progress on the 2026 Fire Recovery Action Plan.
The Committee brings together council, government agencies, recovery partners and community representatives to coordinate recovery, identify emerging needs and gaps, and maintain a shared understanding of recovery progress. It is not a service provider or a forum for managing individual cases.
Recovery started straight after the fires, and the MMRC has been operating since then, with Murrindindi Shire and various state government agencies coordinating relief and recovery efforts. As recovery moves into its next phase, it is timely to broaden the committee to include community representatives and strengthen community involvement in the work ahead.
Murrindindi Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher said community knowledge and experience would help keep recovery decisions connected and appropriate to the needs of people.
“Recovery affects people and communities in different ways. We want to hear a broad range of perspectives, including views that may not always be heard, so community experience can inform the work ahead.”
Community representatives will help bring priorities, concerns and emerging needs to the MMRC, listen to different views, and share accurate recovery information through their networks. They are not expected to speak for every person in their community, and applicants do not need to belong to an established organisation. We are looking for people who can bring their lived experience, community knowledge and perspectives to the table.
Murrindindi Shire is seeking people with connections to communities affected by the fires, including farmers and rural landholders, businesses and tourism operators, young people, older residents, volunteers, renters, uninsured or underinsured residents, people with disability and other groups with distinct recovery needs.
Direct bushfire experience is valued, alongside other forms of community knowledge and experience.
The MMRC is expected to begin in this format in December 2026. It will generally meet monthly for about two hours. Representatives may also spend up to two hours a month preparing, consulting with their community and sharing information after meetings. Appointments will initially be for 12 months and reviewed as recovery needs and the Committee’s membership evolve.
Representatives will receive a $100 honorarium for each meeting they attend, recognising their contribution, community knowledge and lived experience. Murrindindi Shire will provide an induction, meeting papers and practical support to help people participate. Applicants can confidentially discuss accessibility or other participation needs.
Expressions of Interest open Monday, October 19 and close on Sunday, November 7, 2026.
To apply, complete the Expression of Interest form on the Join the Murrindindi Municipal Recovery Committee webpage.
For more information, contact the Recovery Team on (03) 5772 0333.
