Last week for free disaster waste disposal

THIS week is the last chance residents in Mirboo North and surrounding areas will be able to dispose of their disaster waste from the February storm for free.

The scale and impact of the storm saw an extension of the free waste disposal service granted until Sunday June 30.

After this date, the Mirboo North Transfer Station will return to its normal service and operating hours and fees will apply once again.

Those disposing of waste for free before the cutoff date will need to provide the property address of where the waste has come from.

Disaster waste is defined as any material deposited on a property by an emergency (green waste generated by the emergency), or material damaged by the emergency that is required to be disposed of as part of the recovery from the emergency.

Many other free services remain in place for locally affected residents and businesses who need assistance.

Disaster Relief Australia

Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) remain on the ground in the town, continuing with clean-up efforts. This veteran-led not-for-profit organisation will be assisting community members most in need to clean-up storm damage on their properties. To be eligible, the clean-up work must not be covered by insurance. Register by calling the Emergency Recovery (ERV) on 1800 560 760 or visit: www.vic.gov.au/recovery-support.

Removal of Dangerous Trees

For residents who have hazardous trees on their property, including trees that could fall, or have hanging branches, within 30 metres of their home or main access, can register for hazardous tree removal through ERV on 1800 560 760 or visit: www.vic.gov.au/recovery-support.

Recovery Support

Recovery support can be as simple as telephone advice on what services are available or connecting people with programs that can help. Residents severely impacted by the storm may be eligible for a Recovery Support Worker. To find out more, call ERV on 1800 560 760 or visit: www.vic.gov.au/recovery-support.

Council support

Drop into Council’s Recovery Centre located at the Mirboo North and District Community Foundation for help connecting to mental health, wellbeing, financial and business advice services. Open: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10.00am and 3.00pm.

Free Outreach Legal Service

The free Legal Outreach Service at the Co-Space provided by Gippsland Community Legal Service and Victorian Legal Aid continues every second Thursday from 10.00am to 3.00pm (this month: 27 June and 9 July). The attending lawyer will assist with any queries, such as insurance delays, tenancy issues or more general queries. They can be contacted any time on 1800 004 402.

Recovery Session

A Recovery Session was held in Mirboo North last month with Rob Gordon who talks about the experience of a disaster and how we recover from that individually and as a community. If you missed the session, it can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpV0I7WjcJk.

Storm recovery feedback survey

The Mirboo North and District Community Recovery Working Group are still keen to get more community input into the recovery process. Feedback forms are to be completed by Friday 28 June.  There are many ways to complete the form, for more information email recovery@southgippsland.vic.gov.au or complete the form online at https://form.jotform.com/241349128397060.
 

Thank You Party

A Mirboo North ‘Thank You Party’ will be held to celebrate the response and recovery efforts, meet the volunteers from the local area as well as the services and community groups involved in the clean-up. Free BBQ, BYO nibbles and drinks. Begins at 5pm with music from 6:30pm at the Mirboo North Shire Hall on Saturday July 6. Hosted by the Mirboo North Storm Cell Volunteers and the Mirboo North and District Community Foundation. RSVP to 0419155504, text or call, by Monday July 1.