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Latrobe City Council Relief Centres

Latrobe City Council wishes to inform residents that its emergency recovery plan has been implemented and is providing immediate support to bushfire victims.

By Latrobe City - 13th February 2009 - Back to News

Latrobe City Council Mayor, Cr Lisa Price said that Council wants to reiterate to the community that the needs of those affected by the bushfires are a top priority.

"Council has diverted substantial internal resources to the recovery effort, we have our best emergency specialists coordinating our efforts in this regard and every action has the best interests of affected residents in mind.

"As soon as we were advised that the fires had escalated, a relief centre was established at the Traralgon little theatre.

"The relief centre is used as a first response mechanism and is the place where evacuees are received and arrangements made to provide emergency support including food, accommodation, first aid and counselling.

"The relief centre will continue to operate while there is still the potential for homes to be evacuated as a result of the ongoing fire activity.

"Once the fire has been controlled and is no longer a danger to the community, we will establish recovery centres. The recovery centres will be our operational recovery bases where we identify long term needs and develop strategies to support residents in rebuilding their lives.

"In addition to our must recent activities, Latrobe City Council is continuing to operate the Boolarra Recovery Centre at the Boolarra Multi Purpose Centre in Church Street to support the Boolarra and Yinnar communities.

"Our goal, depending on the successful extinguishment and containment of the fires, is to have a number of recovery centres operating within the municipality as soon as possible."

Cr Price said that the extent of the damage was unprecedented.

"We anticipate that the number of households significantly affected by fire week will exceed one hundred and at this time over 850 individuals have been assisted at the Traralgon relief centre.

Cr Price said that attending the relief centre is the first step on the road to recovery.

"All residents who have been affected by the fires are encouraged to present to the Relief/Recovery Centres.

"We can not emphasise enough how important it is to have your needs identified.

"With so many people affected by the fires it is vitally important that we can gain a clear understanding of the scale of the recovery effort," said Cr Price.

"Only then can we develop an effective recovery plan which will allow us to allocate resources to the greatest possible effect.

"Latrobe City Council has also set up an information line for residents directly impacted by the fires which is 1800 017 777.

"For general inquiries regarding the current fire situation contact the Victorian Bushfire Info Line on 1800 240 667.

Cr Price said that the bushfires will be long remembered as some of the darkest days in Gippsland’s history.

"Once again to those directly affected by the bushfires, words cannot express how deeply we feel for your loss. You are in our thoughts and please accept the hopes of this entire City for your healing and renewal.

"On behalf of the community I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the all emergency service personnel and volunteers – your courage and determination is an inspiration to us all and we thank you for being there in our time of need."

Recovery/Relief Centres

  • Boolarra Recovery Centre, Church Street, Boolarra. Open Monday – Friday. 9am – 5pm.
  • Traralgon Relief Centre, Little Theatre, Church & Kay Street Traralgon. Currently open 24 hours.

Important Phone Numbers

  • Latrobe City Recovery Hotline 1800 017 777
  • for residents directly impacted by fires.
  • Red Cross Inquiry Centre 1800 727 077
  • Department of Primary Industry 136 186
  • Department of Human Services 5177 2500
  • Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 240 667

 


Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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