Bushfire Relief Food Drive launched to support communities for the long road ahead
Bendigo Foodshare has officially launched its Bushfire Relief Food Drive to provide vital food relief to communities impacted by the recent bushfires across central Victoria.
In response to the devastation, Bendigo Foodshare is calling on the generosity of the community to help feed families affected by the fires—not just today, but for the months and years ahead.
In partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo, more than 35 yellow donation bins will be placed at 18 major supermarkets across Bendigo, including ALDI, Coles, IGA and Woolworths. The food drive begins today, Friday 16 January, and will run for the next month.
Bendigo Foodshare CEO Michelle Murphy said the Bushfire Relief Food Drive is about coming together to ensure those affected have access to food and essentials as they recover and rebuild.
“We’re working directly with the communities of Harcourt and Castlemaine to make sure people receive the food they want, when they need it, without overwhelming local resources. With our strong volunteer base of more than 400 people, we’re able to sort, store and deliver items directly into bushfire-affected areas as needed — now and into the future,” Ms Murphy said.
“We’ve been delivering food daily, and over the past week alone, we’ve delivered more than 2,000 kilograms of food directly into the Harcourt community. These deliveries ensure families have access to the essentials they need during this challenging time, and we’ll continue to provide support for as long as it’s needed.
“This recovery won’t be quick. Our commitment is not just for the immediate response but for the long road ahead. Every donation helps local families over the months and years to come.”
The City of Greater Bendigo has thrown its support behind the initiative, encouraging residents to donate generously.
Cr Thomas Prince, Mayor City of Greater Bendigo said “we know the community wants to help, and this is a simple, tangible way to make a difference. By donating food through Bendigo Foodshare, you’re supporting the long-term recovery of our neighbours in Harcourt and beyond.”
How to help:
  • Donate non-perishable food items in yellow donation bins at participating supermarkets.
  • Drop off donations at Bendigo Foodshare’s warehouse in Golden Square
  • Make a financial donation online at bendigofoodshare.org.au/donate
Quotes attributable to Mount Alexander Shire Council Mayor, Cr Toby Heydon.
“We are so thrilled with the support we’ve had from Bendigo Foodshare and we’re so happy that the Bendigo community is rallying behind us in Mount Alexander – we are all part of the central Victoria community and it really means so much to us.”
Media enquiries: For interview and photo requests please contact Emma Bourke at communications@bendigofoodshare.org.au  or 0429 963 029.