The weeks, months and years that followed
In the first year the Council's of Yarra Ranges and Cardinia Shire created Recovery Teams and set up a number of initiaitves
As YRC were unable to operate Recovery Centres, they organised 'Pop Ups' and these popped up around and about Mount Dandenong
In 2022 the Hills Community Recovery Committee was set up and trained, then called for ideas from the community, prioritising applications. Their final report can be found on
https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Community/Grants/Regional-Community-Recovery-Committees/Regional-Community-Recovery-Committees with four videos.
In August 2022 Community Groups were able to apply for funding - this was promoted in an article in the Star Ranges Trader"
'The Hills Recovery Committee from Yarra Ranges Council will seek applications from groups who are operating in at least one the Hills townships and have ready-to-go projects which meet an urgent need.
Hills Recovery Committee Chair Gareth Hart said the grant program is funded by the Bendigo Bank’s Community Enterprise Foundation and is a response to the community’s desire for social connection after Covid-19 lockdowns and the June 2021 storm event.
“The grants are focused on the idea of recovery, and they’re asking for community to put forward an idea for a project that is shovel-ready. So ideas, projects that are ready to go now, that might bring the community together [and] might invest in our sense of connection,” Gareth said.'
https://ferntreegully.mailcommunity.com.au/news/2022-07-29/hills-community-groups-able-to-apply-for-funding/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Healing in our Gardens is a free Council-led program, developed in partnership with community that supports our June 2021 storm impacted residents with garden inspired and trauma informed events, activities and resources, that help them in their recovery journey.
The program, focuses on rebuilding social connections, restoring hope and helping residents heal and renew, in and through their gardens and local environment and launched in September 2022.
https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Environment/Sustainable-communities/Healing-in-our-Gardens/About-the-Healing-In-Our-Gardens-program