When the Longwood bushfires swept through Murrindindi Shire in January 2026, they left behind more than physical damage — they disrupted lives, livelihoods, and the sense of safety that holds communities together. But they also revealed something powerful: the resilience, generosity, and determination of the people who call this place home.

For Foundation Murrindindi, this recovery journey is not new. Our organisation was born from the lessons and lived experience of Black Saturday, when our communities faced unimaginable loss. In the years that followed, we learned what genuine, long‑term recovery looks like: it is local, it is community‑led, and it unfolds over years, not months. Those lessons now guide our response to the Longwood fires.