June 9th Storm Update: Week 2

Good morning everyone! Another long consolidation post from me this morning sorry. To everyone outside the impacted area, thank you so much for your donations, thoughts and offers for help. Things have been moving really quickly and so I felt a second information update post was needed. The first is still relevant, however this post covers updates on:

1. What's available for those directly impacted;

2. What can be done to help;

3. What is available to process and support those affected by this event.

𝟏. 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄

Information is coming in thick and fast for those impacted by power outages. The generosity and outpouring of support has been both a comfort and affirmation of why we love this community and live where we do. If you have information, please send me a DM so I can include it in a consolidated information post that can be pinned to the top.

**𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐓: 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 & 𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐓𝐎 𝐋𝐎𝐃𝐆𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐌**

Thanks Carly Woodd for this info. Follow the link below to start your claim. There are a few steps but it's pretty straight forward. You will need to grab your electricity bill and find your NMI number.https://www.ausnetservices.com.au/.../Lodge-your-Claim

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

𝐾𝑎𝑙𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑚𝑎 & 𝑀𝑡 𝐷𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑜𝑛𝑔

Kalorama Oval is now a well-stocked and efficient relief centre with fresh supplies coming in daily.

Orange Sky is providing their mobile washing machines and dryers. https://www.facebook.com/.../a.15420131.../2916358261913609/

Thanks Elin Rae for sharing this information.

𝑂𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑎

The Olinda Oval has also expanded to a fully functioning relief centre. Along with the showers already promoted, you are also able to collect goods including:

* Bottled water

*Canned and dried food

*Food hamper boxes

*Nappies, formula, toiletries

*Dry wood, fire lighters and kindling

Hot meals are available between 5 - 6:30pm each night.

𝑆𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑟𝑎𝑠

Sassafras/Ferny Creek CFA is now a community hub. Any locals who need help or support should get in touch.

On Saturday night June 19th, you are welcome to bring a spoon and come along for a hot meal at the Ferny Creek Scout Hall, Clarkmont Road (next to the CFA). A huge shout out to Donalea Patman from Proserpina Bakery and the Ferny Creek Scouts for putting this on. https://fb.me/e/1rB3jnkK7 Thanks Sam Lee for this info.

𝑈𝑝𝑤𝑒𝑦

The Relief Centre will operate out of the Upwey Township Hall - located behind the Upwey Shops adjacent to the Skate Park - from Monday 21 June from 9am till 12 noon and will continue to open based on demand but for at least 3 days per week from Monday to Wednesdays. The Hall will also act as a drop off point for the following items of need.

* blankets,

* water,

* matches, firelighters,

* batteries (AA and AAA),

* newspaper for fire-lighting,

* toilet paper,

* hot water bottles,

* torches (incl headlamps)

Further information contact:

Gerran Wright, President, Upwey Men’s Shed 0419 560 051, or

Andrew Fullagar (Upwey Township Group) 0427 306 723

𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Update: Short term hotel accommodation: Thanks to Sigrid Peterson, number of hotels (Accor, Novatel and Ibis) are providing discounted accommodation for impacted victims.

We realise that for many even the discounted rate may be out of their budget, so we have set up a donations channel with DRERS Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service Inc. who will be arranging the booking and paying for these rooms with the money we raise. To donate specifically to this cause, please use the reference - Hotel

DRERS is an incorporated association (ABN 80 454 546 928) which has a Deductible Gift Recipient status from the ATO. What that means for you is that any donation you make to DRERS over $2.00 is deductible on your tax return.

direct deposit – BSB 633-000 Account # 140850967

If we have a '@officialcelestebarber situation' where more funds are raised than accommodation paid, this local charity will be able to use these funds to help our local people rebuild their lives. Our power may be out for a few weeks but the rebuild will take years. DRERS and MotHs appreciate any funds donations to our hills community.

𝗪𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴

Ozone Clean Laundrette in Boronia is offering free laundry services at the store on Dorset Road this weekend for storm impacted residents. This is available 6am - 11pm Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th June, ONLY at Ozone Clean Laundrette Boronia 1 Dorset Square Boronia -

Thanks Sigrid Petersen and Carrie TI for this information.

https://www.facebook.com/OzoneCleanLaundrette

Discovery Church in My Evelyn is also offering a wash/dry service where you can drop washing off and pick it up a day or two later washed dried and folded.

𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

Cameo is offering free tickets of the new family film Spirit Untamed to families impacted by the ongoing power outages on June 20 at 1pm. Thanks Andrea Schloetzer for this great information.

https://www.facebook.com/14900.../posts/4181746341860671/...

𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱

Along with all the food options available in the previous information post (which are still available):

Chieftains Fine Foods is offering baked spuds (any on their menu, vegetarian option also) until those impacted have their power back on.

https://www.facebook.com/chieftain.../posts/2873913306157083

Thanks April Wood for sharing.

Cardinia residents can collect food care packs from any of our Cardinia locations thanks to the support of Follow Bless Collective. Packages are available from Pakenham Library, Emerald Library and the Cardinia Mobile Library. Packages contain staple foods – Families can request two packs at a time but they ask they your call first to check for availability. Ph 1800 577 548

https://www.cclc.vic.gov.au/care-food-packs/...

Thanks Jess Nichols for this info.

School Lunches: I was fortunate to speak to Cr. Cathrine Burnett-Wake last night at Sassafras Primary School, VIC where I mentioned how appreciative school parents would be to have lunch packs available. Catherine completely agreed and is on the case. ps. the hot meals organised by The Philanthropic Collective with meals by Essential Catering & Events were delicious. Thank you so so much!

𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀

The CFA has asked that anyone needing a generator should contact them. They are able to supply. The council is also able to supply generators through GIVIT.org.au

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘁

NBN Australia is providing 'Road Muster Trucks' to provide internet connectivity, news and device charging at:

* Olinda Recreation Reserve, Cnr Olinda Monbulk Rd and The Georgian Roads, Olinda

* Sassafras Village Green, Cnr Mountain Hwy and Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Sassafras

* Kalorama CFA Station, 33 Ridge Road, Kalorama

The NBN Australia muster trucks will be open and operating from 8am - 8pm daily.

𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲

Both Gingers Hair Salon and Hewstone Hairdressing in Emerald are opening their doors to all those who have lost power offering free shampoo + blow waves/dry-offs to those in need. https://www.facebook.com/Gingers-Hair-Salon-Emerald-698062083608685

Jag Hair in Belgrave is offering free hair wash and dry off, coffee and tea, charging and wifi. (03) 9754 5274

https://www.facebook.com/jaghair.com.au

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀

If you’re a Telstra customer living in one of the areas we’ve listed, we’ll send you an SMS with a link to request a disaster assistance package. You can also find out more about our disaster assistance packages here.

Thanks Dale Nitz for posting this.

𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲

Burrinja have confirmed they will continue to offer the office space until the end of the month. Libraries are also open and fully equipped to support people working remotely.

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2. How You Can Help

𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

There are several ways to donate. Financially is the preferred so that funds can be spent of items that are needed and removes the burden of excess goods.

𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘙𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘌𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘺 𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦 (𝘋𝘙𝘌𝘙𝘚)

You can donate by: online through the GiveNow website:

https://www.givenow.com.au/dandenongrangesemergencyrelief

DRERS is an incorporated association (ABN 80 454 546 928) which has a Deductible Gift Recipient status from the ATO. What that means for you is that any donation you make to DRERS over $2.00 is deductible on your tax return.

direct deposit – BSB 633-000 Account # 140850967 – please email us your contact details for us to provide you a receipt.

𝘎𝘐𝘝𝘐𝘛.𝘰𝘳𝘨.𝘢𝘶

GIVIT, in partnership with the Victorian Government, is urging people not to send unrequested goods to communities affected by the storms and resulting floods. Instead, please utilise the official partnership in place between the Victorian Government and GIVIT to manage and coordinate donations (goods and services) for this recovery.

100% of donated money received by GIVIT is used to purchase exactly what’s needed by people impacted.

𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴

Yarra Ranges Council has confirmed that Eastern Volunteers has come on board to help! Eastern Voluteers are working closely with local councils and other levels of government to support emergency response plans and appreciate your support and patience during this time. Council would also encourage groups to have a chat to them about utilising volunteers as well, if needed.

We’ve got a long way to go for those impacted and those currently volunteering are feeling weary. In the weeks to come there will be new volunteers needed. Again, when I hear more, I’ll let you know.

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𝟑. 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐏 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐄 𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓

We are so fortunate to have Lisa Dell as a MotH member who works for Phoenix Australia: Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health. They have been Australia’s National Centre of Excellence in Posttraumatic Mental Health and internationally recognised leaders in this field.

Lisa has provided us with some really useful links and in the coming days, I will be chat with Lisa about making these more accessible.

https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/.../fact-sheets-and.../

In particular Lisa thinks these three would be useful:

Helping yourself after a traumatic event: https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/.../Helping-yourself...

Helping children after a traumatic event: https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/.../Phoenix-Helping...

Helping a friend or family member after a traumatic event: https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/.../Phoenix-Helping...

There is also a great booklet a bit further down on the page called Harry and the Storm which is for young children who may be impacted by an event and might need more support in the aftermath.

https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/.../Harry-and-the-Storm...

Lastly, on the page below, there are also resources for those who are helping others in the aftermath of a disaster and you can see some of the resources that we have developed post bushfires and floods.

https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/reso.../disaster-resources/

Like the useful contacts and information in our previous post, I will update this list as I hear things going on. Again I stress that with the situation being so dynamic and internet and power intermittent, I may miss either an update or a message for a few hours.

To my fellow long haul campers, take care, stay warm and please shout out for help. And to all moths, thank you for doing what you can to care and support for your hills community. Belinda x