Bushfire recovery support for Skipton, Streatham

SKIPTON and Streatham region residents affected by January’s bushfires can now access a free support program to help them recover from the events.

Grampians Community Health (GCH) has been engaged by the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing to deliver a ‘safety net’ recovery support service.

GCH expects to support more than 100 people in the fire zones covering Skipton and Streatham and Wimmera locations Grass Flat, Natimuk and Quantong by connecting them with the broad array of recovery services available.

The initiative is known as the Emergency Recovery Support Program.

Senior emergency recovery support worker Shane Richardson said the program would focus on personal support for people directly and indirectly affected by the fires.

“We are a personal support ‘safety net’ for the community,” Mr Richardson said. “Our priority is to engage with and walk alongside people in their own communities to achieve positive recovery outcomes.

“We support people in advocacy and direct assistance to aid their recovery, both emotionally and materially.

“We will help people to tap into appropriate programs and make sure they are supported through the entirety of their recovery process.”

Funding for the program has been confirmed until at least 30 June but Mr Richardson said GCH would ensure people receive the ongoing support they need by referral into core GCH programs.

Mr Richardson has visited both fire zones and said a successful community recovery would take time and require a coordinated multiagency commitment.

“We will be beside them not just in the aftermath but also over time,” he said. “It has been two years since the Pomonal fires, and we continue working positively with that community.”

Mr Richardson said about 40 households had been displaced across both fire zones and a lot of people had lost everything.

“We encourage all families and individuals to engage with us and take up the offer of support, and importantly we encourage everyone in the community to care for their people and to let us know if you are concerned about anyone,” he said.

More information about the program is available on the Emergency Recovery Victoria website or by phoning GCH on 5358 7400 and asking to be put through to Intake.

Alternatively, an email can be sent to [email protected]

Mr Richardson said it was important to recognise that people recover in different ways and in different timeframes from financial, health and emotional perspectives.

“We are here as a sounding board, offering hope and assistance to people to access what is available and support people with any physical and mental wellbeing needs,” he said.

“Recovery will evolve over time as people identify what they need, and we are ready to help whenever that support is required.

“We want to have a positive impact for the community, being adaptable to meet a person where they are in their recovery.”

The support team comprises seven staff who will work across both fire zones and who can also help with general health and wellbeing matters.

“These types of traumatic events can be tipping points that make people realise they need assistance,” Mr Richardson said.

The team can help people with finding and connecting with local health and wellbeing services, insurance, legal and financial support, and material aid.