New Recovery Hub Opening with the Victorian Premier
Published on 13 October 2023
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes today joined Campaspe Shire Mayor Cr Rob Amos, along with other Council representatives and community members, for the official opening of the new Campaspe Shire Recovery Hub in Rochester.
The Victorian Government provided $1.9 million in funding to establish the facility and $512,000 for Council’s dedicated Flood Recovery Team which operates from the hub.
The Mayor said the occasion was an important milestone in the flood recovery process with this week marking exactly a year since the worst floods in living memory decimated many parts of the shire.
“This Recovery Hub plays a vital role in our community’s recovery progress,” Cr Amos said. “Not only because it is a central place where people can come and get the information, advice and support they need but also because it represents a true partnership. It is a place where all levels of governments and a variety of service agencies work together to support people and whole communities as they navigate the challenges of recovery.”
Since its opening on 10 July, more than 1,500 people have attended the hub for information and support, and a further 150 calls have been received by the dedicated recovery support phone line.
“Our staff have done a fantastic job in creating a welcoming environment for everyone,” Cr Amos said. “They have also created specially fitted out spaces that allow for both private and confidential conversations as well as larger meetings and training sessions.”
Community outreach is a key aspect of the hub’s service delivery model. Recovery team members are out and about every day in towns across the shire, supporting the community and delivering a wide range of events that appeal to all ages and interests.
From fun and creative school holiday activities to insurance forums, pop-up events in local towns and information sessions on specific topics, the Recovery team is creating opportunities for flood-impacted people to reconnect and learn, and to rebuild the social fabric of communities.
A future focus of the events program will be educational sessions to equip residents with knowledge and skills to strengthen their emergency preparedness and resilience.
Cr Amos thanked the Premier for funding the Recovery Hub and the establishment of Council’s Recovery team. “We are most grateful for this Victorian Government funding that is enabling us to deliver the important work of supporting our community in recovery.
“I would also like to acknowledge Council’s Flood Recovery Team. Your unwavering dedication and outstanding efforts to support our residents, businesses, farmers and community organisations in their recovery is highly valued and truly appreciated. I have received wonderful feedback about the tangible differences you are making in people’s lives and, for this, we thank you.
“I also acknowledge and applaud the work of the many other Council teams working tirelessly to fix roads and other damaged infrastructure, maintain parks and gardens, and supporting the community in many other ways. It’s a team effort of which I am most proud.”
The Campaspe Shire Recovery Hub is open Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 5pm. To contact the hub, drop in to 48 Mackay Street in Rochester, call 1300 666 535 and press 2, or email [email protected].
