Gippsland › Latest news › Latrobe Local News
Latrobe City Relocates Emergency Relief Centre Servicing Displaced East Gippsland Residents
Opening of an Emergency Relief Centre at the Morwell Recreation Reserve to assist East Gippsland Shire during the bushfire emergency.
Latrobe City Council has been providing practical support to assist East Gippsland Shire during the bushfire emergency. On Friday evening that support was escalated by the opening of an Emergency Relief Centre at the Morwell Recreation Reserve.
Due to the evolving nature of the emergency within East Gippsland, the Emergency Relief Centre has been relocated to Kernot Hall Morwell to accommodate the influx of expected evacuees following centres in Bairnsdale and Sale reaching capacity.
The Emergency Relief Centre at Kernot Hall, Princes Drive and Monash Way, Morwell will be operational from 9 am today, Sunday 5 January, for those people who have left East Gippsland.
At this stage the centre is not open to residents of Latrobe City due to there being no active emergency situation in the municipality.
Latrobe City Council Mayor, Cr Dan Clancey said that he had spoken to many who had been touched by the events in East Gippsland.
"Many in our community have stories to tell of family and friends who have been affected by these disastrous fires and some have their own stories having been caught up while holidaying in the region," Mayor Clancey said.
"To be able to play our small part in this deepening national crisis, by helping out those evacuees who have arrived to us tired having endured a traumatic situation is the least that we can do. By offering them a place for respite, a cup of tea and an ear to listen, it goes a long way in reassuring these people that they are cared for."
Latrobe City has taken many queries relating to offers of assistance, from volunteering to accommodation, food and hard goods.
"During times of crisis many in the community ask how they can help. One of the immediate thoughts is to donate clothing, hard goods and food. Experience tells us that donation of money is much more effective and provides more flexibility than the donation of material items or pre-loved goods," Mayor Clancey said.
"We thank residents of Latrobe City for their generosity, but we need to remind people that Council is unable to accept any donations monetary, food or donations of furniture or hard goods on behalf of anyone."
Interest from the community in volunteering has also been expressed. Currently Latrobe City Council is not seeking any volunteers. Should people wish to register their interest in volunteering, if and when the need arises during the recovery phase they can do so by visiting the Volunteer’s Victoria website - www.volunteer.vic.gov.au
Latrobe City residents are reminded that due to the current emergency situation across Victoria, the Vic Emergency app and website along with local radio including ABC Gippsland, 100.70 FM is the best way to receive up to date advice warnings about incidents and emergencies in our region.
Source: www.gippsland.com
Published by: support@gippsland.com
Latest News
Community feedback needed for East Gippsland Shire Council Draft 2024/25 Budget by 29 May 2024Fresh food tax criticised by industry as lack of clarity on payment and collection will harm families and farmers
Russell Broadbent seeks answers to 20% increase in cardiac arrests by advocating investigation to include vaccine mandates
East Gippsland Shire Council highlights telecommunications infrastructure when advocating over thirty goals for community resilience and development
Russell Broadbent addresses nationwide Covid injustices-rights breaches, lockdowns, mandates and waste of $577B on vaccine and tests
Students from Orbost Community College tour East Gippsland Water facilities to learn about water safety, filtration and potential careers
Drouin wastewater treatment plant instals Australia's largest floating solar array of 644 panels as part of Gippsland Water renewable energy plan
Gippsland Water aids Wellington Mint-bush conservation through genetic research to increasing numbers and diversity
Latrobe City Council launches 'International Connections' book to celebrate 20-year anniversary of sister city agreements
Metung Bowls Club celebrates green upgrade with $200,000 grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria on 14 April 2024