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CCA have been successful in getting a grant to take a volunteer team into the Shepparton area to help flood impacted households and now we are trying to round up more volunteers. WHY Shepparton? - Greater Shepparton was significantly affected by the floods in October 2022 and some properties within the municipality were also affected in the January 2024 floods. In excess of 1000 properties were heavily impacted and those impacts are still being felt today. Eighteen months post the October 2022 event, Goulburn Flood Recovery Services are still supporting approximately 180 households and many of those still have substantial need for rehabilitation of land or properties. Typically, after this amount of time the folks needing help are the most vulnerable - elderly, unwell (either mentally or physically), uninsured. For example, one person was insured - totally inundated and found out she had cancer and with all the additional costs through cancer treatments she has lived off the insurance money. I'll be doing a scoping trip roughly the week beginning 9th September to enable a project plan. That’s when we will really know what we will be doing. But initially, think minor repairs to houses and buildings, some minor fencing, possibly painting/plastering and LOTS of rubbish clearing and removal and cleaning. The project plan is always matched to the capabilities of the volunteers. Project dates: 1-7 Oct 2024 - Accommodation in Tatura Park Showgrounds - camping or some indoor areas you can lay a swag down. WC, showers, kitchen and meeting room are all there.
- Meals should all be provided - except breakfast.
- No specific skills required - but hardworking and keen and happy to tackle most things. Enjoy a glass of red at the end of the day - close to essential!
- Age is unlikely to be an issue! Chris Knight the project lead is 69 and one of his key team is 83!
- Chatting with the impacted folk is very important - after this amount of time after the flooding events it is typically the most vulnerable who still need support.
Typically, these efforts have a really positive spirit. We are fully supported by Shepparton Shire Flood Relief team and Goulburn Flood Recovery Services. I can supply letters of support from them if you need them. We need 20 volunteers in total - including myself as Project Leader. Members can talk with Chris Knight directly, he is happy to answer any queries you may have. Chris’s details are below: Chris Knight CCA Project Leader 0421991898 |