Central Vic experienced three months of rain in a day, resulting in major floods for many communities. Solidarity through mutual aid ensures that we support communities directly during climate disasters. Here are a collection of resources and ideas on grassroots initiatives you could support.
Taken in Rochester in the months between major floods in 2022 and 2024.
Mutual aid, local resources and calls for support
[please send additions for this list to: [email protected]]
A reminder to stay safe if involved in clean up efforts (and some ideas on looking after water damaged possessions).
- Check for donation requests being posted here: https://www.givit.org.au/
- Free confidential wellbeing support and advice offer by 'Partners in Wellbeing' consultant Katie Lynde: 0428 044 936 / [email protected]
- Rochester Community House: Call for support from Bern on (03) 5484 3600
- South Shepparton Community Centre Inc.: Whether you are flood affected, or just stressed come see us at 290 Archer Street for companionship and referrals if you need them
- Support and assistance for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Shepparton/Mooroopna from the Rumbalara Flood Recovery Program: Call Steve on 0428 853 921 for support
- Seymour Flood Recovery Hub at 4 Guild Street, Seymour VIC 3660
- LaTrobe University has support available for students impacted by flooding. Check out the resources here.
Services
- Fee freeze on disposal of flood waste - Until 2 May 2023, flood waste for flood-affected communities to assist in cleaning up and recovery. More details here.
- Emergency Relief Centres are open in Bendigo, Seymour, Yea and Echuca. Contact your local council or visit the VicEmergency website for more information: go.vic.gov.au/3vB1tVO
📱 Download the VicEmergency app (iPhone, Android)
📞 Call the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226
📻 Listen to ABC Local Radio
Check this great set of contacts and resources from Seed Mob, created for the recent QLD floods.
Background and general resources
Resources for Disaster Relief and Recovery
The Commons librarians have gathered the following resources (both in the library or external links) to support community responses to the Australian bushfires and other disasters.
https://commonslibrary.org/resources-for-disaster-relief-and-recovery/
Chain Reaction magazine (FoE’s national magazine). Issue #142, June 2022
This is climate change: from the disasters frontlines.
Available as a pdf here.
Podcasts
Preparing for the unpredictable: communities reducing disaster risk
https://open.spotify.com/episode/446Cg4NtrN3k1uqGRYMjMo?si=8d3e9ce33c8a437b&nd=1