7 Oct 2025
The Victorian Government is supporting businesses in Porepunkah and the surrounding region following the events on 26 August 2025.
- $5,000 grants for eligible visitor economy businesses that have experienced significant disruptions and revenue losses following the security 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.
Financial counselling and mental health and wellbeing supports are available now.
Grants for eligible businesses in Porepunkah
Porepunkah visitor economy businesses that may have been significantly disrupted by the 26 August 2025 security incident have now been issued with an email invitation to apply for a $5,000 grant.
Grants for eligible businesses in the Alpine Shire Local Government Area
Grants are now open for eligible visitor economy businesses in the Alpine Shire local government area that have experienced a significant decline in revenue due to the 26 August 2025 security incident.
To check your eligibility and apply for a $5,000 grant visit Alpine Shire Business support Grant program
Financial counselling
If your business or industry has been impacted by the security incident in Porepunkah and Alpine region, free financial counselling support is available from:
- 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.
Mental health and wellbeing
If your business or industry has been impacted by the security incident in Porepunkah and Alpine region, free mental health and wellbeing support is available from:
- Beyond Blue – NewAccess for Small Business Owners: Free, confidential and tailored mental health coaching program, designed to help small business owners and sole traders manage stress, worry and overwhelm.
- 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.
For immediate assistance
Lifeline | Australia-wide crisis support and suicide prevention service. | |
Beyond Blue | Support for issues relating to anxiety and depression. |
For more information on immediate and urgent mental health support click here.