Markwood Bushfire Recovery Fund – Rebuilding Homes, Fences & Livelihoods
What Happened
On Thursday 4 December, a fast-moving grassfire ignited along the roadside in Markwood, Victoria, driven by 65–75 km/h winds. In a matter of hours, the fire burned 384 hectares, destroying homes, sheds, livestock infrastructure and essential equipment.
The response was large and coordinated: 39 CFA units, multiple aerial water bombers, Forest Fire Management Victoria, and additional support crews from Melbourne and NSW worked together to prevent the fire from spreading into neighbouring communities. Their efforts saved countless properties — but the impact on Markwood families has been devastating.
The Impact on Our Community
The fire caused extensive damage:
2 homes completely lost
Picture of one of the home owners who lost everything
1 home severely damaged
8 sheds, including a workshop, destroyed
Vehicles, tools and equipment lost across 5 families
Many kilometers of fencing burned and needing urgent replacement. Some livestock have been temporaily relocated. But this is only a temporary solution. Other livestock have nowhere to go.
One resident escaped with only her dogs before flames engulfed her home moments later
Dozens of neighbours faced evacuations, smoke damage, and disruption to their livelihoods
For a small rural community, these losses are life-changing.
Why This Fund Has Been Created
The Markwood Bushfire Recovery Committee has been established to ensure financial assistance goes directly and fairly to those most affected.
A dedicated bank account has been set up for this purpose.
The committee is in the process of forming with six members, including at least one member who was not directly impacted to help ensure impartiality.
Current signatories:
Scott Walker
Hamish Ramsay
The committee will:
Review applications for support
Prioritise families who suffered home loss, major property damage or major fencing destruction
Assess needs transparently
Vote on all decisions collectively
Every dollar donated goes to community members who need immediate and long-term help.
How Donations Will Be Distributed
Funds will be allocated where they’re needed most, including:
Emergency accommodation, fuel and essentials
Support for families who lost their homes
Replacement of fencing and farm infrastructure
Tools, equipment and materials needed to restore livelihoods
Assistance for residents facing major structural damage
This fund will support all affected residents, regardless of the scale of their loss.
How Your Donation Helps
$25 – fuel or essential supplies for evacuated families
$50 – food and household basics
$150 – emergency accommodation for a night
$500 – fencing materials or clean-up costs
$2,000+ – significant support for families who lost homes, sheds, workshops or equipment
Every contribution — big or small — makes an immediate difference.
Where Your Money Goes
✔️ Held in the dedicated Markwood Bushfire Recovery bank account
✔️ Managed by a local volunteer committee
✔️ Distributed based on assessed need
✔️ No administrative fees charged by the committee
✔️ Updates posted regularly for transparency
How You Can Help
Donate if you can — every amount counts.
Share this fundraiser with your family, friends, workplace or community group.
Support local businesses affected by the fire and recovery efforts.
Together, we can help Markwood families rebuild their homes, fences, infrastructure — and their sense of security.
Closing Message
The losses in Markwood are real, immediate and deeply felt. But so is the strength of this community.
If you’re able, please donate to help these families recover and rebuild.
Thank you for standing with Markwood during this difficult time.