When a severe storm event in June resulted in wide sweeping damage across the State, it was great to see how our community banded together to offer support and help with the clean up. Over 4,000 homes within Manningham were left without power due to high winds and trees falling across power lines, and roads, vehicles and homes were left damaged.
The Manningham SES unit received 140 requests for assistance, helping to clear trees that had fallen across buildings and vehicles and restricting access to properties. Two people caught in floodwaters were also rescued by the SES during the event. Volunteer members of the Manningham SES unit provided assistance in partnership with the CFA and Defence Australia to deliver donated generators to impacted communities in neighbouring municipalities. All Manningham SES members are professionally trained volunteers and provide their time at no cost to the community.
Victoria Police responded to numerous calls for assistance relating to water across roads, downed power lines and damage to homes. They also provided traffic diversion, general community safety support and provided the community with relevant information. In collaboration with Manningham, DFFH and other emergency services, Victoria Police conducted 59 welfare checks to members of the community identified as vulnerable or at risk. Senior Sergeant John Hauer noted how impressed Victoria Police were with the community spirit, in particular with neighbours performing welfare checks with one another. They would also like to thank the volunteer members of the SES that helped the community during a time of need.
Many community organisations worked together to provide relief to those in the cold. One of those who provided assistance was the Women’s Friendship Group, hand crafting warm clothing for people without power or heating. Items included scarves, beanies, gloves, baby clothes and slippers. The group has also provided warm clothing throughout Covid-19 to those in need. We would like to thank all volunteer organisations that continue to support our community.
In response to the storm we set up community hubs that provided residents without electricity the chance to charge their devices and have a warm shower. We received over 300 requests for assistance and performed 4 weeks of ongoing clean up working many extended hours over weekends. Contracting crew assisted for 3 weeks to manage the volume of requests received from the community. Our parks team is to be commended for their hard work.
If you were impacted by the storm event or would like to share your knowledge relating to an emergency event we would love to hear from you as part of our ongoing Emergency Aware program. You can see what others have had to say regarding preparing for an emergency on our website or email us.
