Free-to-air television services have been restored across Victoria’s Bendigo region this afternoon, following disruption caused by bushfire damage to key broadcast infrastructure.
Broadcast services were interrupted after the Mount Alexander transmission site, used by all commercial and national broadcasters in the area, sustained significant damage during bushfires on 9 January 2026.
Temporary transmission facilities and equipment have now been installed at the site, allowing a limited range of channels to return to air.
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Under the temporary arrangements, viewers can receive Seven and 7mate from the Seven Network, 9 and Gem from WIN Network, and 10 and 10 Drama from Network 10, along with services from the ABC and SBS, from 5.00pm Wednesday, 21st January.
Additional channels remain accessible via live streaming through platforms including ABC iview, SBS On Demand, 7plus, 9Now and 10 Play.
While broadcast services have resumed, the temporary transmission is operating on a different frequency of 557.5MHz. As a result, viewers in the Bendigo region are required to perform a re-scan of their television equipment to access the available channels.
The temporary broadcasts may also be transmitted at a lower power output than usual, meaning some households located further from the transmission tower may still experience difficulties receiving a reliable signal.
The reduced television services are expected to remain in place while rebuilding works are carried out at the Mount Alexander facility. The restoration of permanent infrastructure is anticipated to take a considerable period due to the extent of the damage.
The bushfire-hit transmission hub has cut ABC, SBS and all commercial TV services, leaving the region reliant on staged restoration works. (image – WIN)
The return of free-to-air services coincides with major sporting events, including the Australian Open tennis tournament and the Big Bash cricket finals.
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Andrew Lancaster, Chief Executive Officer of WIN Network confirmed the return of services stating,
“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 added,
“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 added,
“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.”
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