On this page:

Registrations for this program are now closed. For advice or information contact the planning recovery team at rebuilding.program@transport.vic.gov.au.

The Connecting Communities to Builders program helped homeowners get back on their feet after the October 2022 floods by connecting them with registered and available tradespeople to assist in repairing or rebuilding their homes.

Homeowners were provided a list of approved builders and tradespeople ready to work on their project. They could then work directly with their selected professionals to coordinate the services according to their repair or rebuild needs.

This two-year program is now closed, and we thank everyone involved for their tremendous support.

We have listed some helpful resources below to assist homeowners continuing, or about to commence their repairs and/or rebuild.

Quality assurance

We encourage exercising due diligence when engaging any tradespeople by:

  • Researching reviews (i.e. Google, Trust Pilot).
  • Performing a 'Practitioner Search' and 'Disciplinary Search' on the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) website to verify the tradesperson’s registration and check for any disciplinary actions.
  • Check with Industry Associations like Master Plumbers of Victoria and Master Builders Association of Victoria. They conduct checks to ensure their members are registered and licensed, as required by law, to provide you with added peace of mind.
  • Not all building practitioners and tradespeople belong to industry associations. You can ask family and friends for trusted recommendations and exercising due diligence before engaging with trades.

View the VBA: protect your build factsheet.

Permit guidance

If you're planning any building work, it's essential to determine whether you need a planning permit, a building permit, or both. These permits are usually required by law and are designed to protect you.

As the homeowner, it is your responsibility to make sure planning and building permits are obtained. They may be something you get yourself or someone else (your builder) may do it for you. We recommend consulting with your local council for guidance on permit requirements.

You cannot start any building work without a building permit.

Local council for planning and building permits

Your local council is the best place to start for help with planning and building permits.

Go to Know Your Council to find contact information for your own local council.

Industry and expert advice

  • Experts in the building industry have resources and information to help you with rebuilding and repairing your home.
  • Consumer Affairs Victoria – Advice to help you exercise your consumer rights and responsibilities in dealing with businesses you need to engage with to complete your repairs and rebuild. This site has resources on planning and managing your building project, including managing costs, dealing with tradespeople, contracts, deposits and payments, and much more.
  • Victorian Building Authority – Advice about engaging a builder, and essential information about building and plumbing matters to guide homeowners with engaging trades, building permits, appointing a builder surveyor, insurance for works, compliance and more.
  • Master Builders Association of Victoria – Use their ‘Find a Master Builder or Supplier’ search function to find qualified options for your needs.
  • Master Plumbers Association of Victoria– Use their online ‘find a plumber’ function to find a qualified master plumber or emergency plumber.
  • Housing Industry Association – Find information about building and planning services and navigating residential building legislation and codes.

Find Trades people near you

Data privacy

All your personal details are handled in strict accordance with Victorian Government privacy laws. For more information, refer to our privacy policy.

Page last updated: 01/07/25