RUINOUS and devastating, last year’s floods may have long since dried up, but their lasting impact has continued to wreak havoc on the lives of many throughout the region ever since.
With near 400 people across five local government districts including, Shepparton and Seymour, still reliant upon temporary accommodation due to flood impact, the Rotary Club of Shepparton South has secured a $36K Rotary International Disaster Recovery Grant to establish financial assistance and supports.
The Flood Recovery Support Program will provide gift vouchers of various amounts to applicants to relieve some of the financial pressures experienced while displaced from secure and permanent housing and further compounded by the high cost of living.
Partnering with the Goulburn Flood Recovery Service (GFRS) led by Family Care and the Greater Shepparton Foundation (GSF), the Flood Recovery Program aims to reach individuals who may not have yet sought assistance but would stand to benefit from a wraparound service tailored towards assisting with on-going flood related issues, including mental health.
“The Recovery Program vouchers are not only about providing money for food, medicine and immediate needs they’re about making sure that people are case managed so all their necessities will be looked after during the long-term recovery process,” said GSF executive officer, Amanda McCulloch.
“The floodwaters are long gone but the need is certainly still there,” GFRS manager, Amy Jones said before adding, “…but there are still people out there requiring assistance as they wait for structural assessments on their properties, seek to rebuild or find new rentals. The impact on mental health around all of this has been huge. The journey is far from over.”
Flood impacted local people that would like to access this support are encouraged to contact the Goulburn Flood Recovery Service on 5823 4700. Those requesting support will be assessed against a set of eligibility criteria.
