State Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad, state Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland, Strathbogie Shire Cr Gregory Carlson, Strathbogie Shire Mayor Scott Jeffery, Natural Disaster Recovery Minister Vicki Ward and state Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell at the opening of the Euroa recovery hub.
Photo by
Billie Davern
As regional communities reel from the devastation of the Longwood bushfire, Strathbogie Shire Council has opened the doors to a centralised hub for support.
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The launch of the recovery hub, located at 34 Railway St, Euroa, brought together local residents and community leaders, Strathbogie Shire councillors and Victorian MPs on the morning of Wednesday, February 11.
Mayor Scott Jeffery said it would offer accessible support to affected individuals and groups across the region.
“Today marks an important milestone for Strathbogie Shire as we officially open the recovery hub: a central, welcoming and trustful place designed to support our community through recovery, healing and rebuilding following the recent fires,” he said.
“The hub brings together key agencies, wellbeing services and recovery specialists in one accessible location.
“It’s here to make it easier for individuals, families businesses and community groups to access practical support, clear information and guidance — all in one place.”
Those who access the hub will find government agencies, wellbeing providers and recovery specialists, including Services Australia, inside.
It is also set to host community meetings, workshops and activities, allowing locals to play a role in shaping recovery efforts.
Victorian Natural Disaster Recovery Minister Vicki Ward and Strathbogie Shire Mayor Scott Jeffery welcome the crowd to the new recovery hub.
Photo by
Billie Davern
Supported by state and federal government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the hub was officially opened by Natural Disaster Recovery Minister Vicki Ward.
Ms Ward said the “(state) government is happy to keep supporting” the work of the Strathbogie Shire community, and that she had been astounded observing the strong recovery effort across the region.
“The response that has come from so many people is absolutely extraordinary,” she said.
“I know that word gets thrown around a lot, but people’s desire for kindness, to help each other, to come together as a community and focus on what really matters — which is having a strong community, a healthy and resilient community — is really important.
“Recovery is hard, it’s a lot of hard work, it takes a lot of resilience and a lot of patience and time. It’s great when you see community members who are willing to make that commitment of time, energy and effort to ensure that recovery is done as well as it can be.”
Cr Jeffery said while the hub would help with immediate needs, it would also be beneficial in the long term.
“The recovery hub is about making sure our community has a trusted, accessible place to turn to during what can be an incredibly challenging time,” he said.
“Recovery doesn’t happen overnight, and this hub will be a cornerstone of our long-term approach to healing, rebuilding and strengthening our community for the future.”
The hub is open weekdays from 9am to 3pm or by appointment.
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