General News
6 February, 2025
Recovery under way
As the threat to the town abated, Hindmarsh Shire Council moved quickly to establish a recovery centre in Dimboola.
On Tuesday afternoon CEO Monica Revell – who had spent Monday night helping at the emergency relief centre in Horsham – announced that the facility in Dimboola would operate from Wednesday morning.
"Hindmarsh Shire Council staff, alongside Horsham Rural City Council, has been busy at the relief centre in Horsham assisting community members who were displaced from these fires," Mrs Revell said.
She said more than 260 people attended that centre in Horsham's senior citizens' building, which was supported by a range of service providers.
"A recovery centre will be open from 9am (tomorrow), January 29, at Dimboola Library, " Mrs Revell said.
"Representatives from various organisations and agencies will be available for community members to speak with and access information, including council, Uniting, Department of Families Fairness and Health, and Emergency Recovery Victoria."
Council also convened a community meeting on Wednesday afternoon at the rear of the library where Mrs Revell, incident controller Steve Alcock, Victoria Police Western Region superindendent Sharon McCrory, Kendra Clegg from Emergency Management Victoria, Maggie Bridgewater from Rural Financial Counselling and Stacy Whitehorse from Gerang Gerung Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre addressed community members on the current fire situation.
For community members unable to attend, the meeting was livestreamed via Hindmarsh Shire’s Facebook page.
Many questions around fire preparedness, communications and access to information were asked by attendees and those watching online, help for elderly community members being one of the most popular topics.
- WITH CAITLIN MENADUE
