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Recovery Committee (CRC) to be established in Traralgon to help with disasters and plan for future emergencies

Community-Led Recovery Committee will be established in Traralgon to help people bounce back from disaster situations and plan for future emergencies.

By news@gippsland - 19th November 2021 - Back to News

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.

Interested people can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to go through a selection process to ensure an inclusive and diverse membership. Council is seeking members with commitment to community, economic and environmental recovery

Powerless to receive the emergency warnings

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.

Empower local people

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." Cr O'Callaghan said.

The group's first meeting will be held in December. Expressions of interest to join the Traralgon CRC close on 3 December and can be made by visiting Traralgon Community Recovery Committee page on the council site.

Pictures from Latrobe City Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com