Staff writers
A Community-led Recovery Committee (CRC) will be established in Traralgon to help people bounce back from disaster situations and plan for future emergencies.
Latrobe City Council and Bushfire Recovery Victoria are calling on Traralgon residents from all ages and backgrounds to consider joining the committee which will support flood recovery and build a toolbox of community skills to better respond to such events moving forward.
It follows the widespread devastation of the June 2021 flood and storm event across the municipality, which highlighted the vulnerability of many within the community.
One attendee at a relief centre was living alone, unable to afford a smartphone, was not confident with English and had no local family or friends to offer support during the event.
They were powerless to receive the emergency warnings until it was too late.
Other members of the disability community have been unable to rely on their support workers, who were evacuated with their own families.
Latrobe City Mayor Kellie O’Callaghan said the CRC was designed to empower local people before, during and after disaster situations.
“We know that when these events happen people rally together to support each other to recover and rebuild,” Cr O’Callaghan said.
“When communities lead their own recovery and take control of decision making and processes, they build on their strengths, create closer connections, focus on broader community benefit and further enhance resilience.
“We’re here to provide resourcing to support Community-led Recovery Committees where they decide priorities and develop their own plans for achieving results.”
Expressions of interest to join the Traralgon CRC close on Friday, December 3 and can be made by visiting www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/Traralgon_Community_Recovery_Committee
The group’s first meeting will be held in December.
