Please help with long-term recovery after the Longwood fire
The Longwood fire has had a devastating impact on communities across the Strathbogie Shire and beyond, including Longwood, Euroa, Ruffy, Gooram, Creighton's Creek, Avenel, Upton Hill and surrounding districts. While the fires are somewhat contained there are still many active fires which means this is far from over.
Many people across the Shire - families, individuals, farmers, and small businesses - are facing ongoing and unexpected costs. These aren’t always urgent or headline-grabbing, but they are real: replacing school uniforms, covering everyday living expenses, clean-up costs, rebuilding, lost income, and the long road of getting back to stability after disruption, loss, and uncertainty.
About the fund
The Strathbogie Ranges Bushfire Fund has been launched by the Euroa Chamber of Business and Commerce to provide ongoing assistance to anyone in the Strathbogie Shire and surrounds who has been bushfire affected - both immediately and into the future.
The Chamber will work closely with local CFA brigades, schools, and community groups to help ensure funds are distributed in the most effective and appropriate way.
Who we are
This fundraiser is organised by the Euroa Chamber of Business and Commerce, a local community organisation supporting residents and businesses across the Shire.
It is being personally driven by Chamber members Stephanie Swift, Jacqui Thomson, Yasmin Shafi, and supported by community volunteers Laura Baker, and Paula and Marnie Burton. All are local residents who are directly connected to the affected communities and hearing firsthand what people are facing.
Who the funds are for
Funds raised will support any individual, family, or small business in the Strathbogie Shire and surrounds that has been impacted by the Longwood fire or surrounding fire activity.
You do not need to be from a specific town to apply.
If you are bushfire affected and live within the Shire, you are eligible to apply.
Applications are made through a simple, respectful process, designed to minimise burden during an already difficult time.
How the funds will be used
Donations will provide practical, long-term financial support, including (but not limited to):
- essential living and cost-of-living expenses (e.g. food, utilities, school needs)
- replacement of everyday essentials such as clothing or school uniforms
- temporary or ongoing accommodation costs
- clean-up and recovery expenses
- rebuilding or replacement of essential items
- support that helps people stabilise and recover over time
Support does not need to be for an emergency expense - everyday recovery needs matter too.
Funds will be distributed directly to approved applicants, based on demonstrated need.
Transparency and accountability
- Trust and transparency are essential to the success of this fund
- All funds will be distributed locally within the Strathbogie Shire.
- A public log of income and outgoings will be maintained so donors and community members can see how funds are allocated.
- Personal details of recipients will remain private, but high-level information about fund distribution will be shared openly.
Every dollar raised (excluding the standard 2.9% GoFundMe platform fee) will go directly to supporting people in our local community.
Why your support matters
This fund exists to help people recover - not just survive.
Your donation provides breathing room for individuals and families as they rebuild stability, dignity, and confidence after the fires.
Every contribution, large or small, makes a real and tangible difference.
Thank you for supporting our community through this next chapter of recovery.