Storm recovery events help strengthen community resilience
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Jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Victorian State Government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council, along with Woodend Neighbourhood House, Lancefield Neighbourhood House and Macedon Ranges Seed Savers are the grateful recipients of a Department of Fairness, Families and Housing (DFFH) Targeted Funding Initiative grant.
This funding is being used to build resilience and community connection for those impacted by the June 2021 storm event.
Programs funded through this grant are focused on connecting storm affected individuals and families with others in the community; providing opportunities to build skills that will assist them in avoiding further stress and trauma; building practical and mental resilience in preparation for future emergency events; and to promote healing.
Council’s Director Community, Maria Weiss, said the community is still feeling the effects of the June 2021 storm and the funding will ensure community-led projects that support recovery and build resilience will continue.
“Council is proud to be working closely with these valued community organisations to deliver activities that have been designed to respond to the unique needs of our communities,” Maria said.
Activities have kicked off with the successful completion of three rounds of chainsaw skills training for storm-affected residents.
Melissa Baker of Woodend Neighbourhood House said the funding will support activities that build resilience for residents, including learning new skills to help them prepare for future events.
“In the wake of the June 2021 storm we saw residents of Woodend, and across the shire, going above and beyond to help one-another. One of the best ways to build resilience is to build strongly connected communities.
“As well as skills focused workshops, there are a number of exciting community events coming up which I would encourage people to get involved with,” Melissa said.
Kylie Swain, of Macedon Ranges Seed Savers, encouraged the community to come and join in with upcoming events.
“We’re looking forward to sharing knowledge about how we can support each other in future emergency events and build our community’s knowledge about seed sharing and self-sufficiency. Come along, learn something new, and connect with like-minded people,” Kylie said.
Upcoming activities are focused around themes of resilience building, mental health support, and environmental recovery and will include: