Bendigo storm aftermath: 11,000 homes still without power as emergency services stretched

The Bendigo region is continuing to feel the impact of recent severe weather, with more than 11,000 properties still without power this weekend. Powercor crews are working to fix over 490 separate faults after 80,000 customers were initially cut off, according to the Bendigo Advertiser [1].

Why this matters for residents

The outages are not just an inconvenience. They represent a significant strain on the community’s emergency services and infrastructure. The State Emergency Service (SES) responded to 244 incidents across the north-west region within 24 hours, including 10 callouts overnight in Bendigo alone linked to storm damage [1][14]. That volume of calls has stretched local crews, some of whom are volunteers, and diverted resources from other potential emergencies.

Alongside the power cuts, Bendigo Health’s emergency department is under significant pressure. The hospital recently faced a ‘code yellow’ internal emergency alert due to high occupancy and increased patient demand, which led to some elective surgeries being postponed [5]. For residents, this means longer wait times in the ED and the possibility that planned procedures may be delayed without clear notice. The combination of power outages and hospital strain creates real hardship for families already dealing with storm damage.

Fatal collision adds to strain

Emergency services were also called to a fatal collision on High Street in Bendigo this morning, involving a truck and a 15-year-old pedestrian. The boy died at the scene [9]. The incident has placed additional pressure on police and ambulance crews who are already managing the storm response. It is a somber reminder of the risks that persist even as the immediate weather threat passes.

New tool for residents

The City of Greater Bendigo has launched a new Emergency Dashboard on its website, designed to provide real-time warnings, road closures, and links to relief centres for bushfires, floods, and storms [2]. While the dashboard was developed for longer-term use, it is now providing practical help to residents trying to navigate the aftermath of the storm. The council has encouraged locals to check the dashboard before traveling, to avoid closed roads and to find the nearest relief centre if needed.

What happens next

Powercor has said it is prioritising repairs to the most critical infrastructure, but with more than 490 separate faults, some suburbs may remain without electricity for days. The SES continues to remind residents to treat fallen power lines as live and to stay at least 10 metres away. Residents in areas still without power should contact Powercor directly and, if they are vulnerable or need emergency accommodation, reach out to the SES on 132 500.

The storm’s toll on Bendigo is a stark illustration of how extreme weather can cascade through a community, hitting not just homes but also the hospitals, emergency crews, and volunteers who keep the city running.