IN October 2022 the community experienced a collective disruption to our lives as the flood swept through the region. It’s in these moments when social capital is called upon; to check on a neighbour, support a stranger, provide food to people you’ve never met, and to connect with support you may not otherwise utilise. Social capital is the greatest measure of a community’s ability to recover from a natural disaster.
Nights like Undera the Stars are so important to bring the community back together, to understand that everyone has a story to tell about the event that changed the lives of so many across the Goulburn Valley and beyond.
“Hopefully we bring not just the Undera community together but all the communities that were affected by the floods together to catch up and have a chat,” said Undera farmer and Undera the Stars MC Alistair Chessells.
“We all went through the same things, you know. To think that you’re not on your own. There’s lots of us who went through the same thing so don’t think you’re battling it on your own. Talk to people. You might get one little thing out of talking to someone that just might help you get over it if you’re still struggling.”
Undera the Stars is a free event, welcome to all. With live music, a free BBQ, community raffles, fun for all and various recovery support services available. The event is on Saturday, May 11, from 6.00pm to 10.00pm at the Undera Recreation Reserve, Echuca Rd, Undera. There is also an all-abilities courtesy bus services on the night with pick up points from Bunbartha, Mooroopna, Shepparton, Toolamba, Murchison, Tatura, Undera, Kyabram and Lancaster.
To book your spot on the bus or for any questions related to Greater Shepparton City Council’s disaster recovery program, call 03 5832 9700 or email recovery@shepparton.vic.gov.au and follow Resilience in Recovery on Facebook for more event information.
