Background
In early 2026, as bushfires impacted Mt Lawson, Walwa and surrounding communities, Border Trust established the Mt Lawson/Walwa Bushfire Recovery Appeal . The purpose of the appeal was to raise funds for distribution to local not-for-profit organisations and community groups supporting recovery efforts on the ground.
In line with this appeal, a Grant Advisory was formed to guide the process and test the guidelines. This Advisory comprised a small group of people closely connected to the community.
Two priority funding activities were identified
- Purchase and distribution of local business vouchers. The $100 vouchers are for food, fuel, pharmacy or agricultural supplies and will be purchased locally. The recipient organisation will then manage the distribution of vouchers to people directly affected through property, infrastructure or income loss, at their discretion.
- Activities that provide an opportunity for recovery and well-being at community hubs and halls.
Amount Distributed 2026
$14,965.
Recipient Organisations – Voucher Program
- Ag Biz Assist $4,000 will purchase and distribute local business vouchers to farming families, rural small business families and rural people in the bushfire affected areas.
- Corryong Health $4,000 will purchase and distribute local business vouchers at their discretion to people affected by fire, including the elderly or those families who have multiple generations living in close proximity, including families and young children. Corryong Health staff have deep connections into the affected communities both through their workforce and patient/client base.
Recipient Organisations – Hubs & Halls Program
- Jingellic Rural Fire Service $965 for a Pizza and Firies Community Gathering Event
- Towong Shire $6,000 to support community recovery gatherings at halls and hubs in the bushfire affected areas of Lucyvale, Koetong, Walwa, Shelley, Bullioh and Tallangatta Valley.
Why this appeal matters
In the weeks and months following bushfires, communities face a wide range of needs — from practical assistance and community reconnection to longer-term recovery and rebuilding. This appeal is designed to provide support that is:
- Timely — responding as needs emerge
- Flexible — adapting as recovery progresses
- Locally informed — guided by people who know their community best
Funds raised will support locally led projects and initiatives that help people return to their homes, land and communities and strengthen community connection and wellbeing.
Our experience
Border Trust is the Community Foundation for the Border region and has a strong track record in managing disaster recovery appeals.
As trustee of the Towong Community Bushfire Disaster Relief Fund, Border Trust has responsibly distributed more than $2.85 million to support community-identified recovery initiatives, with strong governance, transparency and accountability.
This experience ensures funds raised through the Mt Lawson/Walwa Bushfire Recovery Appeal will be managed carefully and directed where they can make the greatest difference.
GENEROSITY
Following the bushfires impacting Mt Lawson, Walwa and surrounding communities, generous donors from across the region have helped raise $15,000 to support local recovery efforts.
RECOVERY
As communities move through recovery, needs continue to evolve — from immediate practical support to longer-term wellbeing and recovery.
To guide this, a small local Grant Advisory group was formed to ensure funds are directed where they are needed most.
Current initiatives being explored include:
• Local business vouchers (e.g. food, fuel, pharmacy, agricultural supplies) for those directly impacted
• Community recovery and wellbeing activities at local halls and hubs.
These approaches aim to provide practical support while also strengthening local businesses and community connection.
DISTRIBUTION
What happens next?
Funds to community-led initiatives were distributed throughout April & May 2026.
As always, this process is locally informed and carefully managed to ensure community donations have the greatest possible impact.
Community Q&A
Community Question
Q. Will donations from this appeal really help local people, farmers and small businesses?
A. Yes. Funds raised through the Mt Lawson / Walwa Bushfire Recovery Appeal are distributed through trusted local not-for-profit organisations that work directly with individuals, families, farmers and volunteers.
In the immediate term, this may include vouchers for food, pharmacy or agricultural supplies, allowing people to purchase what they need, when they need it — from local businesses, helping keep cash flowing in the local economy.
Border Trust also takes a longer-term view, funding mental health, wellbeing and social connection programs in Towong Shire that support farmers, small business owners and young people as they recover from bushfire trauma.
This approach ensures support is practical, flexible and locally informed — guided by community input and delivered with transparency and accountability.