News

How to help Victorians affected by the fires 

With large areas of Victoria impacted by devastating bushfires, many families, farms and horse owners are facing significant challenges. From immediate relief to longer-term recovery, there are several ways the equestrian and rural community can offer meaningful support.

Dana Krause

Published 14 Jan 2026

Access and donate essential horse supplies

Dindi Ag is organising a Yea Fire Relief donation drop-off and is directly distributing supplies to those affected locally. Donations include hay bales, bagged stockfeed and animal health essentials. MultiCube Stockfeeds is one of many who have already donated.To purchase feed for donation, contact Dindi Ag on (03) 5797 2275. For enquiries or delivery coordination, reach out via their Facebook page or contact Melina on 0403 114 974

Elite Equine Nutrition  in Glenburn will also be operating as a local support hub, working closely with Jenny Boucher, who is coordinating with Aussie Hay Runners to distribute donations from drop-off point, to ensure every donation is delivered to the families on fire affected properties. Australian businesses such as Poseidon Animal Health and Benchmark Feeds have already donated their support via this hub.  

Symthesdale Pony Club is coordinating a collection of horse and rider gear this weekend (17-18 January) at Woady Yaloak Equestrian Centre on Lords Rd in Smythesdale from 9:30am-2:00pm. Donations of usable equipment are welcomed and will be distributed to displaced riders and horses to help them get back on their feet. 

RB Sellars are providing care packages with essential clothing to support individuals and families who have lost their homes. Care packages are available at the Albury, Ballarat, Bendigo, Faithfulls Creek (Euroa), Mansfield, Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool stores.   

Horseland is offering a range of essential equine items free of charge to those affected by the fires, including Saxon Economy headstalls, Roma Continental lead ropes, Saxon Buzz Away fly masks, Kincade standard hay nets and Bainbridge 11L feed buckets. These items can be collected at any Victorian Horseland store and Horseland Albury. In addition, Horseland stores are acting as a drop off point for donations. 

Hi Form is offering free advice from their nutrition team and a 25% discount code (FIRERELIEF25) on all their products for those affected by the fire. Their breathe supplement is particularly good for any horses with smoke inhalation, supporting respiratory health. As it is human oral grade, it can also be safely added to tea to assist people dealing with the effects of smoke exposure. 

There are many, many other people and organisations doing all they can to help those affected by the recent fires. If you have a great story of how someone is lending a helping hand, email info@eqlife.com.au so we can add it to our list of ways readers can assist those affected.