How they can help you
The Business Recovery Adviser will act as a concierge service, helping you to navigate eligible supports and to provide guidance to build strategies to enable longer-term recovery.
Experienced business recovery advisers will help you to:
- understand the different supports (including grants) available at the Commonwealth, state and local level
- manage issues with your insurance provider or landlord
- access support including local crisis and mental health support services
- plan your recovery (including business continuity and contingency planning) and build resilience for future challenges.
How to access this service
- To access a Business Recovery Adviser, complete the registration form: register now.
- If you need assistance with completing the registration form, please call the Business Victoria Hotline on 13 22 15.
- If you need an interpreter, please call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 or visit tisnational.gov.au.
This program is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for the 2024-25 Western Victoria bushfires which commenced in December 2024 (AGRN 1166).
For more information on bushfire recovery services and support, please see our Bushfire Recovery page.
Meet Our Advisers
Our advisers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience across industries, business operations and crisis recovery.
Maggie Bridgewater
Maggie is a Wellbeing Counsellor supporting communities in the Little Desert region. She grew up on a farm near Dimboola and has lived through droughts, floods, and bushfires, giving her a strong understanding of rural life. With experience working on dairy farms in Australia and the UK, she combines practical knowledge with genuine care. Maggie has supported people with a range of issues, including mental health, family violence, disaster recovery, and succession planning.
Patrick White
Patrick has been helping Wimmera farmers find financial clarity for nearly 20 years. Based in Horsham, he is a long-serving financial counsellor with extensive experience in law and accounting. Patrick grew up in the Wimmera, studied in Geelong, and returned to the region in 2002. He previously worked in a small practice in Murtoa before moving into advisory work in 2005. He helps clients understand their financial situation and explore options that support their future.
Mal Rowe
Since 2017, Mal has supported clients with practical advice built on more than 30 years of experience in agriculture, land, and water management. His background includes work in Landcare, local government, and farmer engagement, helping people set clear goals and navigate challenging situations. Mal combines technical knowledge with a thoughtful approach and has a strong interest in renewable energy and rural sustainability.
Leeanne Summers
Leeanne is a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience helping businesses in both private practice and government. She has a strong understanding of finances, business structures, and compliance. Leeanne supports small business owners to make informed decisions, meet their obligations, and create simple, realistic plans. She’s committed to helping rural businesses improve their financial position and build long-term stability.