Community Newsletter Tuesday 8 November

Current Situation

Continued releases from Eildon and Hume dams, combined with existing flood waters, will slow the reduction of water levels across the Goulburn and Murray systems.

There is potential for significant rain across the Hume over the weekend. It is too early to understand the impact this may have.

Please be aware that streams and rivers may rise quickly even with small amounts of rain due to saturated catchments.

Please keep up to date with the latest warnings etc.

GOULBURN RIVER:

Moderate flooding has eased at Seymour. Minor flooding continues along the Goulburn River at Downstream (Lake Eildon, Trawool, Seymour, Murchison, Shepparton and McCoys Bridge.

Goulburn Murray Water has advised that releases from Lake Eildon will be around 20,000 ML/d during Monday, below the moderate flood flow.

MURRAY RIVER:

Moderate flooding is occurring at Albury, Corowa, Yarrawonga and Tocumwal.

Please be aware of trees falling unexpectedly. Their roots are sodden making them very unstable. Never park or take shelter under a tree when it’s windy.

Parks, hiking tracks and campgrounds are closed due to flooding. To find out more go to https://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/safety/flood-affected-parks

Should you remain isolated or cut off and require food or medical supplies please call SES 132 500 Refer to the SES website for information on flood preparedness https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/

Relief and Recovery

There are relief arrangements available for those affected by flooding.

Shepparton Showgrounds (Relief Centre) Cnr of Benalla Rd and Thomson St Shepparton

The Shepparton relief centre is scheduled to close Wednesday 9 November

Nathalia
Community Centre 42 Robertson St, Nathalia
(Relief Centre)
10.00am – 2.00pm daily. After hours phone: 0497 717 147

Shepparton Recovery Centre:
Senior Citizens Centre
132 Welsford Street
Shepparton
Operating Hours:

You can drop into The Hub on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays from 10:00am – 4:00pm and Thursdays 12:00noon – 6:00pm.

Limited parking for the community is available at the rear of the facility with additional parking on Marungi Street.

There are interpreters on-site covering Arabic, Dari, Punjabi, Hindi, Turkish and Swahili.

Assistance is available from a wide range of health and well-being, food relief, insurance, legal and multicultural agencies. There are also representatives from State and Commonwealth Government agencies who can provide support with accessing financial assistance.

Community meetings:

Flood recovery Community information session:

Bunbartha

Tuesday 8 November, 5.30pm
Bunbartha Community Centre
10 Loch Garry Road, Bunbartha
(At the tennis courts)

Disaster relief payments

Personal Hardship Support – visit https://emergencypayments.dffh.vic.gov.au

Phone: 1300 457 170 between 8am-5pm

Multicultural Communities

Ethnic Council have staff at Relief Centre in Shepparton. Translation assistance is available on site.

Translating and Interpreting Service 131 450 (free call). Ask them to call VicEmergency Hotline.

National Relay Service 1800 555 677 (free call) Ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline. Should you remain isolated or cut off and require food or medical supplies please call SES 132 500 Refer to the SES website for information on flood preparedness https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/

Translated Health Information Fact Sheet

Returning Home After A Flood

For local guidance and translation on going home after a flood, see Ethnic Council of Shepparton guidance

Translated guidance is also available to help with returning home after a flood

For information on actions to take when returning home from a flood and other relief information visit https://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief

Health Information

Stagnant Water

If you have concerns about the smell of black (stagnant) water or sewage leakage around your property, please contact the EPA (1300 372 842) or Goulburn Valley Water for assistance. Never eat fish caught from the flood water.

Gastro

In flood affected areas, there have been an increase in cases of gastro causing people to become unwell. To prevent Gastro, always wash your hands after going to toilet, before eating, preparing food or cleaning your teeth, etc.
Health advice for flood related illness and injury.

Mould Management

Flooding, excess moisture and pooled water can cause mould growth in your home. This may be a health risk to you and your family. When returning to your home after a flood, be aware of any visible mould or musty smell. High mould levels are likely if the house has been flooded for more than two days.

The following people should avoid being present during post-flood cleaning or repair works: children (under 12 years, particularly infants); pregnant women; people over 65 years of age; those with weakened immune systems, allergies, severe asthma or lung disease.

Assume your home is contaminated with mould when: it has been flooded for more than two days; you can see mould; there is water damage; there are strong, musty odours.

The more extensive the contamination, the greater the risk of exposure during clean-up. Consider using professional cleaners if the affected area is large. If you decide to remove the mould yourself, make sure there is good ventilation and wear protective clothing such as a shower cap, rubber gloves, eye protection, overalls, suitable footwear and a P1 or P2 face mask.

More information:
After a flood: mould and your health

Mosquito

Mosquito’s do not breed in initial flood waters. As flood waters drop the water left behind for extended periods which does not move, is a perfect breeding ground for mosquito’s.

Mosquito-borne diseases are transmitted by mosquito bites. They cannot be transmitted from person-to-person.

Simple actions to prevent mosquito bites are the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

• Limit time outside especially at dusk and in the evening when lots of mosquitos are about
• Wearing mosquito repellent containing picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin. For kids and babies, apply repellent to their clothes, rather than their skin
• Covering up and wearing long loose-fitting clothing
• Using ‘knockdown’ fly spray, mosquito coils or plug-in repellent where you gather to sit or eat outdoors
• Removing any flying mosquitos from inside your house eg with fly spray

To reduce mosquitos around your home:

• Consider using a residual spray outdoors in areas where mosquitos rest
• Cut back long grass
• Empty unsealed pots, bird baths or tyres that can hold water
• Ensure your water tank is fully sealed

More information:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/mosquitoes-can-carry-diseases

Asbestos Warnings

If you have a house of age, please be wary of asbestos in your home. Asbestos may be uncovered by flood waters. Please contact your local council for advice on management of asbestos in your home. See here for more

Disposal of Used Sandbags

Please refer to your local council website for information regarding cleaning up after a flood, including disposal of used sandbags.

Road closures and travelling in the area

Information 13 11 70 or the VicTraffic website
https://traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au

Donations

Please only donate non-perishable food. No prepared cooked food. Furniture, toys and clothing items are to be donated to charity shops. For Donations to Relief Centres, please to go Greater Shepparton – How you can help

Health Information

Be aware that mosquito borne disease hazards are present so please cover up and use repellent.

In flood affected areas, there have been an increase in cases of gastro causing people to become unwell. To prevent Gastro, always wash your hands after going to toilet, before eating, preparing food or cleaning your teeth, etc.

Health advice for flood related illness and injury.
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-advisories/health-advice-for-flood-related-illness-and-injury

Emergency Recovery Victoria

Flood Recovery information and support for people and communities affected by floods.
https://www.vic.gov.au/october-2022-flood-recovery

Health, Mental Health and Family Violence

Wellways Shepparton offer free wellbeing assistance. For help, call 5822 8600 or 1300 375 330

Nurse-on-Call on 1300 60 60 24 registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from anywhere in Victoria.

It is normal to have strong emotional or physical reactions following a distressing event. There is always help available through: Your doctor or local mental health professionals

Lifeline – 131 114

Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636

MensLine – 1300 789 978

Kid’s Help Line – 1800 55 1800

Download this Community Newsletter for Tuesday, 8 November 2022