Chapter 4
One year on ....
The Star Ranges Trader has been a main source of information for many affected
https://rangestrader.mailcommunity.com.au/news/2022-06-14/community-coming-together-one-year-after-the-june-storms/
This article shares a little of the story of the Kalorama Collective
The Kalorama Collective, formed immediately after the storm to provide meals, showers and supplies to those in need, and is now holding monthly dinners at Olinda Community House to facilitate conversations, laughter and support.
“We know that local people and local knowledge will help support the resilience and the ongoing drive that people need to feel like they can continue as ‘normal’,” Kalorama Collective chairperson Nia Beardsley said.
Local group, Mums of the Hills, really picked up, both to provide practical support and to campaign to draw attention to the telecommunications issues and challenges.
Mums on the Hills have also been trying to get people back together again after restrictions and last year’s storm event which saw community members and families separated.
“There have been Creative Sundays where we’ve got people that love to crochet, knit and do crafts…other groups have come together around writing…we’ve got active MoThs for people that are wanting to find other people that want to get fit or enjoy sports together,” MoThs founder Belinda Young said.
Ms Young said financial pressures, finding accommodation and family violence have been major issues throughout the Dandenong Ranges as a result of the pandemic and weather events.
Connectivity is still high on the agenda for MotHs, with the group writing a submission to a national telecommunications audit calling for the NBN to become an essential service.