Note – the East Gippsland Water token offer closed on Friday 24 January. This follows the launch of the Victorian Government’s program (see details further below).
East Gippsland Water (EGW) has activated emergency support measures for local residents affected by current bushfire activity, offering free water tokens to eligible households experiencing disruption or contamination of their domestic water supply.
The tokens can be collected from EGW’s office at 133 Macleod Street, Bairnsdale, and are redeemable at standpipes across East Gippsland for the purpose of restoring essential household water.
EGW Managing Director Michael Wandmaker said the initiative is designed to provide quick, practical relief for communities under stress.
“We know that many East Gippsland residents are dealing with the immediate impacts of bushfire activity — damaged tanks, contaminated rainwater, or disrupted access to essential water,” Mr Wandmaker said.
“These free tokens are a simple, fast way for us to help households get back on their feet and ensure they have safe water for drinking, hygiene and other essential needs.
“Our priority is to support community wellbeing during this challenging period,” Mr Wandmaker said.
“We’ve made the process as straightforward as possible so residents can access the water they need without unnecessary barriers or delays.”
Residents can collect tokens from East Gippsland Water’s Customer Service Centre at 133 Macleod Street, Bairnsdale.
The tokens are for domestic purposes only, such as drinking, cooking, personal hygiene, pets, and essential household use.
Tokens can be used at the following EGW standpipe sites:
- 107 Rupert Street, Bairnsdale
- 102 Golf Links Road, Lakes Entrance
- Princes Highway, Johnsonville
- Rosherville Road, Metung
- Livingstone Street, Orbost
- Orbost Road, Buchan
To receive free tokens, residents must:
- Live in an East Gippsland community impacted by current bushfire activity
- Be an EGW customer or a resident reliant on tank water within the EGW service region
- Have experienced water loss or contamination related to the incident
EGW staff will record basic details to ensure support is delivered fairly and consistently.
Mr Wandmaker encouraged anyone unsure about their eligibility to get in touch.
“If you’re affected or you’re not sure whether you qualify, please contact our team — we’re here to help.”
Relief Drinking Water Program – Victorian Government
Emergency relief drinking water of up to 20,000L is available for communities impacted by the Victorian fires that started on 7 January 2026.
You may have emptied your household water tank for firefighting or it may now contain ash or other contaminants. You could be eligible for a refill. This is known as ‘relief drinking water.’
If you were impacted by fires outside the maps shown on the website, you may still be eligible for relief drinking water.
Don’t self-exclude yourself from applying – if you think you might meet the criteria, complete the application.
As this is a Victorian Government program, please see their website for all details: Relief Drinking Water Program 2026