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Natimuk

Originally photographed in February alongside the Wimmera Highway west of Horsham, this thick phone cable was accidentally damaged during the Natimuk fire as part of the emergency services response, and then replaced (photographed in April) with what Telstra called an “interim restoration” of a cable running above ground for a short distance. The long-term fix is yet to be determined.

Natimuk fire exposed phone risks

When fire threatened Natimuk on January 9, the town also faced a communications failure after a mobile tower lost power and its backup generator failed.

7 June, 2026

The future of Arapiles/Dyurrite access took a new turn last week, with the concept of Designated Climbing Areas to be replaced with a location-based approach. It is believed the Community Working Group dealing with the issue has their next meeting in the next few weeks where the new direction will be further developed.

Climbing zones scrapped: Arapiles starting over with climbing areas

The community turned out in force as the annual Natimuk show became a symbol of recovery after January’s bushfire. From sheepdog trials to shearing, hundreds gathered, including Horsham's Sienna Harberger, for a day of food, fun and tradition.

Natimuk Show-ing the way forward

Members of the Community Working Group for Dyurrite (Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park) at the Bluff lookout. In the front row is Horsham Rural City Council mayor, Brian Klowss; Climbing Victoria member, Martin Jackson; Arapiles District Community Group representative, Dr Felix Ritson; Parks Victoria chief executive, Lee Miezis and Barengi Gadjin Land Council chair, Chris Harrison.

Arapiles Community Working Group continue to meet

Ken Hateley is grateful to the farmers from near and far who donated hay for his sheep after the Grass Flat Fire on January 9 destroyed his paddocks.

Ken Hateley unsure about his fire damaged paddocks

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Western Victoria MP Jacinta Ermacora with the Blaze Aid team during her visit to Natimuk.

Jacinta Ermacora visits fireground

Rebuilding has begun after the Grass Flat fires, with Blaze Aid crews, including Jill, Ell, John, Terry and Peter, supporting farmers in Natimuk, Quantong and Vectis.

Blaze Aid restores hope one fence line at a time

Dr Felix Ritson addresses the recent fires and the impact on wellbeing in this week's column.

Call the doctor: Coping after catastrophe

Michael and Net Sudholz with sons Kane and Jake lost their home in the Friday fires in Natimuk.

Veteran CFA volunteer recounts seven-minute blaze that destroyed home

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HRCC mayor Brian Klowss, (centre) the Premier Jacinta Allan and Disaster Recovery minister Vick Ward with members of the Natimuk community after the January 9 fires.

Horsham Rural City Council mayor's message to community

Natimuk Historical Society president Pat Ford said the January 9 fire was “probably one of the biggest events the town's had” and was still processing it all a few days later.

Watching the fire remotely: Natimuk historian watches fire destroy homes via security cameras

An aerial photo of Natimuk shows the devastation of the January 9 Grass Flat Fire. Inset: Horsham Rural City Council chief executive Gail Gatt and mayor Brian Klowss speak with Victorian premier Jacinta Allan during her visit to the fire-affected area on January 12.

New Grass Flat blaze rating five time greater than originally thought

Natimuk pub a place to gather and debrief - feature photo

Natimuk pub a place to gather and debrief

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