ALEXANDRA, VIC. — Murrindindi Shire Council is continuing its free firewood program for households affected by the January 2026 bushfires, with further collections becoming available on a staged basis for eligible Murrindindi property owners and renters.
The first week of the program was targeted to property owners most directly impacted by the January fires, and Council has received strong positive feedback from the community about the initiative.
Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher said the program was designed to support recovery while safely managing access to firewood supplies.
“We know many households lost their firewood stores during the January bushfires, and this program is about helping people rebuild while also cleaning up fire‑affected areas.”
“The response from the community during the first week has been overwhelmingly positive, and now that those most directly affected have had the first opportunity to access the program, we’re pleased to be able to make additional limited sessions available to other Murrindindi residents where capacity allows,” said Cr Gallagher.
Bookings for free firewood will be available from two locations: Terip Terip and Koriella.
Collection sessions operate in hourly time slots, with a maximum of five vehicles per site per hour to ensure safety and orderly access.
The collection dates and times are:
- Monday, April 20 to Friday, April 24, from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm;
- Thursday, April 30 and Friday, May 1, from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm;
- Saturday, May 2, in hourly slots from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm;
- Sunday, May 3, in hourly slots from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm;
- Thursday, May 7 and Friday, May 8, from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm;
- Saturday, May 9, in hourly slots from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm and
- Sunday, May 10, in hourly slots from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm
“We ask residents to please follow the conditions, wear appropriate footwear, and be prepared to load the wood by hand,” said Cr Gallagher.
The free firewood collection form is on the council’s website.
To apply, residents must:
- Complete the online application form;
- Upload photo ID and proof of a Murrindindi residential or property address;
- Receive a collection permit and
- Select a preferred date and time using the online booking calendar.
Eligible applicants will be emailed a permit and a booking link.
Property owners and residents who need assistance with the application process, or who are unable to upload documents, can visit Customer Service or a Recovery Hub in Alexandra or Yea, where staff can sight identification and assist with completing the application.
For more information and to apply for a collection permit, visit murrindindi.vic.gov.au/freefirewood.
