Supporting the Porepunkah community and Alpine region
News
Published: 15 September 2025
The Victorian Government is standing with the Porepunkah community following the events on 26 August 2025.
Up to $2.5 million will be delivered to support the visitor economy in Porepunkah, Bright and surrounding region including:
- $5,000 grants for eligible businesses that have experienced significant disruptions and revenue losses following the incident.
- Financial support for the Alpine Shire Council and the local business chamber to support community activities and events.
- Tourism marketing and promotional activities to boost visitor numbers to the Alpine and High Country region.
- Funding for the Ride High Country Marketing Phase 2 project – to support longer term tourism in the region, increase overnight visitation, and drive economic growth.
Businesses can register their interest for these grants by visiting the Business support for Porepunkah and Alpine Shire page on the Business Victoria website.
Existing services for Porepunkah businesses
In addition, businesses in Porepunkah can access a number of existing, free services.
| Name and link to service | Description of service |
|---|---|
| Beyond Blue – NewAccess for Small Business Owners | Free, confidential and tailored mental health coaching program, designed to help small business owners. |
| Victorian Worker Mental Health Support Line | Free, confidential and 24/7 mental health support for Victorian employees in businesses with 200 workers or less. |
| Partners in Wellbeing Helpline | Free wellbeing coaching for all Victorians aged 16 or over. |
| Business Victoria Workplace Wellbeing | Resources and information to help sole traders, small businesses and employees manage stress and build positive workplace wellbeing. |
| Small Business Debt Helpline | Free, confidential financial advice from experts specialising in finance and debt management. |
| Rural Financial Counselling Service | Free independent financial counselling to assist farmers, fishing enterprises, forestry growers and small rural-related businesses. |
