News

Funding secured to restore waterways impacted by January 2026 bushfires

The North East Catchment Management Authority (NECMA) has welcomed funding to support the recovery of waterways and catchments impacted by the Victorian bushfires in January 2026. 

The fires caused significant damage to rivers, creeks and surrounding landscapes across Victoria, affecting important natural assets managed by Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs). The impacts were exacerbated by a significant rainfall event (200-250mm in 4 hours) that occurred over the northern part of the bushfire impact area, around Shelly and Koetong.  

North East CMA CEO Katie Warner named among IPAA Victoria top 50 women

North East Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is proud to announce that its Chief Executive Officer, Katie Warner, has been recognised as one of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) Victoria’s Top 50 Women for 2026.

IPAA Victoria is Victoria’s peak public purpose sector professional association. Each year the IPAA Victoria’s Top 50 Women Awards recognise outstanding women whose leadership, dedication and impact are strengthening Victoria’s public purpose sector. The awards are made in two categories – Established Leader and Emerging Leader.

A recipient in the Established Leader category, Ms Warner has extensive experience in business development, policy development, and strategic planning. She has worked across government and regional organisations, leading strategy and major initiatives.

Women come together at Milawa to farm stronger and smarter

North East CMA hosted a successful Women in Agriculture forum at Milawa on Thursday with 60 women taking the opportunity to renew friendships, make new friends, learn practical strategies for everyday life and recharge.

There was plenty of sharing of stories and ideas as the women involved got to step away from the busyness of day‑to‑day farming and take a strategic look at farm performance and personal resilience.
 

Reminders about support for farmers in recovery

The fires may have passed, but don’t underestimate its impact on your mental health.

• Wellbeing Counsellors offer free, confidential wellbeing support alongside the financial and business counselling support provided by the Rural Financial Counselling Service. They are available to visit bushfire-affected producers and their families on-farm or over the phone. For a free and confidential chat call the RFCS on 1300 771 741.

• The National Centre for Farmer Health have valuable wellbeing resources on their online support hub at: farmerhealth.org.au/support-hub

• Lifeline: call 131 144

• Beyond Blue: call 1300 224 636

Milestone for Fish Habitat Improvement Fund project at Omeo

North East CMA is pleased to share the milestone for this project with the installation of woody habitat structures and boulder seeding along Livingstone Creek, from the Omeo Golf Club down to the Jubilee Bridge campground.

These in-stream works are already helping to transform sections of the creek by creating critical shelter, feeding areas, and flow diversity for native fish and platypus. The addition of logs and carefully placed boulders mimics natural creek features, improving habitat complexity and supporting a healthier, more resilient waterway.