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When people lose everything in a fire, rebuilding often starts with something practical: getting their essential identification back. A driver licence is a Category A identity document. Without it, it can be difficult to progress insurance claims, access government services or complete recovery support.
That’s why, as an essential service, VicRoads staff were on the ground at the Castlemaine Recovery Hub last month following the Ravenswood and Harcourt bushfires. Our staff helped residents replace lost licences, cancel fire‑damaged vehicle registrations and update details needed for property access.
VicRoads Senior Customer Service Officer Veronica Storer and Bendigo Customer Service Centre Manager Cheryl Driscoll were part of the onsite team supporting displaced residents.
"The people I supported were so lost about it all as it happened so quickly," Ms Storer said. “Many shared stories that were upsetting for them to talk about.”
"One elderly couple said that having VicRoads there helped make the recovery process easier and less stressful," Ms Driscoll added.
Working alongside the CFA, Red Cross, Anglicare, Services Australia and insurers, the team helped locals reissue Digital Driver Licences, recover myVicRoads accounts and access registration refunds where eligible.
With the bushfire season far from over, VicRoads will continue to support recovery hubs providing rapid assistance to affected communities.
How VicRoads can help after a fire:
- Replace lost or damaged licences, including Digital Driver Licences if not set up already
- Cancel registrations for fire‑damaged vehicles and process eligible refunds
- Update customer addresses for property and mail access purposes
- Set up or recover myVicRoads accounts
To stay informed about risk emergencies and road status, please visit:
Anyone requiring emergency assistance across Victoria should immediately call 000.
You can also tune in to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV for updates.