Hume Region Community Update letter brings information about the current situation about rivers and flood levels in Northern Victoria, Shepparton in particular. Advice about returning home, removal of mould, stagnant water and removal of asbestos is also rendered. Parks, hiking tracks and campgrounds are closed due to flooding. Information about donations, hardship payments, translation assistance at relief centres and finding help for mental stress, family and domestic violence situations is also given.
Community Update from Shepparton Incident Control Centre
Current Situation
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.
Be aware that mosquito borne disease hazards are present so please cover up and use repellent.
Winds are expected over the coming days so 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.
With showers forecast in coming days, Emergency services are asking community to remain informed.
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
Water is expected to remain for some time despite many rivers now slowly falling. The area is saturated making it very difficult for water to dissipate.
Goulburn River
Remains stable but may see some slight increases over coming days in select locations due to rainfall. No significant impacts are expected at this stage but residents should keep informed.
Barmah/Lower Moira:
The flood levels around Barmah / Lower Moira have peaked and are slowly falling. Pumping continues to assist with water removal from Barmah area.
Nathalia
The Broken Creek at Nathalia is rising slowly, with minor flooding. It is likely to peak Saturday/Sunday. The river level is expected to remain above the minor flood level for the next few days.
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/
Current warnings
Emergency Warning – Not safe to return at Barmah
Moderate Flood Warning for parts of the Broken Creek and Goulburn River
For full information and warnings, download the VicEmergency App or call VicEmergency Hotline (free call) 1800 226 226 https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/
Community meetings:
Toolamba Flood Recovery Information Session
Wednesday 2nd November 6pm
Toolamba Community Centre, Wren St, Toolamba
Pre-recorded Updates:
Nathalia Virtual Community Update
https://youtu.be/Bpj53qw6las
Cobram Community Update
https://youtu.be/rJqfiT3yCC4
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
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/
Relief and Recovery Centre Locations
Shepparton Show grounds (Relief Centre) Cnr of Benalla Rd and Thomson St Shepparton
Nathalia Community Centre 42 Robertson St, Nathalia
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
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.
Mould Management
If you notice mould inside or around your house, please ensure you wear safety equipment when cleaning. Rubber gloves and either an N95 or P2 mask will be required for mould management. Please don’t wear gardening gloves or regular face masks.
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
Disaster relief payments
Personal Hardship Support – visit https://emergencypayments.dffh.vic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 457 170 between 8am-5pm
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 Sunday 30 October 2022
Image Credit: Victoria SES
