The fire-affected community of Bendigo and surrounds should have their ABC radio and TV services restored from the end of next week but perhaps at a reduced quality for several more. Transmission provider BAI have been able to access and start assessing the damage at the Mount Alexander transmission site.

Damian Cronan, ABC’s Chief Digital and Information Officer said:

“Our teams, along with BAI and industry partners, have been working around the clock to restore services as quickly and safely as possible. Services will return initially at reduced power, which means some members of the community may experience reduced coverage and poorer signal quality until further restoration work is completed.

 We ask viewers and listeners to bear with us as we progressively rebuild to full transmission capacity over the coming weeks.

“Most viewers will need to rescan their TVs to receive ABC services again, but no antenna work is required. We’ll continue to provide updates as restoration progresses.

Thanks again for your patience as we bring ABC back to full strength.” 

More information on how you can access local radio can be found here. ABC Local Radio Central Victoria is back on 91.1 FM for listeners in the immediate Bendigo area, or if you have transmission issues, via 774 AM ABC Melbourne and 594 AM ABC Wimmera.

The Harcourt Fire was down to advice level at 5pm on Saturday January 17. Watch and Act: Monitor Conditions remain for the Longwood area.

Image: Harcourt fire on Jan 9, 2026  – Malmsbury Fire Brigade via Facebook.