Television services back on air in the Bendigo area

Free-to-air television networks will be back on air across Victoria’s Bendigo region this afternoon, following extensive damage to broadcast infrastructure during the recent bushfires.

Crews have installed temporary transmission facilities and equipment at the Mount Alexander transmission site, which is shared by all commercial and national broadcasters in the region, after it sustained significant fire damage on 9 January 2026.

Two channels from the Seven Network (Seven and 7mate), WIN Network (9 and Gem), and Network 10 (10 and 10 Drama), as well as the ABC and SBS, will be available from 5.00pm AEDT. Viewers are encouraged to re‑scan their televisions to ensure all the available channels are restored.

Andrew Lancaster, Chief Executive Officer of WIN Network, said: “The restoration reflects an extraordinary industry-wide effort. This has been a complex and challenging recovery following catastrophic bushfire damage. I want to acknowledge the dedication of broadcast engineers, transmission partners and emergency authorities who have worked tirelessly to restore services for the Bendigo community.”

Jeff Howard, Managing Director and CEO of Southern Cross Media Group (which owns the Seven Network), said: “All broadcasters have worked closely together, alongside Broadcast Australia and Telstra, to restore our essential services to the Bendigo area as quickly as possible. We are fully committed to supporting the community throughout the bushfire recovery efforts and to returning all services to their full capacity as soon as we can.”

Beverley McGarvey, President of Network 10, said: “We recognise the vital role local television plays in keeping the community informed and connected, especially during times of crisis. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the emergency services, technicians, and all those who worked tirelessly to restore the service. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the fires, and we remain committed to supporting the Bendigo region as it recovers and rebuilds.”

The reduced television services are expected to remain in place while infrastructure is rebuilt at the Mount Alexander site. We will continue to update the community as these works progress.