New face to lead storm recovery efforts
Published on 15 December 2016
MILDURA Rural City Council has appointed experienced rural financial counsellor and Executive Officer Kerryne McClelland to lead the district’s recovery from the 11 November storm.
As the district’s newly created Community Recovery Executive Officer, Ms McClelland will work closely with Council’s Recovery Management Team, not only ensuring the team’s Community Recovery Plan is implemented, but devising additional plans when needed to ensure the district recovers as quickly and effectively as possible.
One of her first roles in the position will be attending next week’s two Community Recovery Meetings at Red Cliffs and Merbein, which are designed to provide the latest updates on recovery efforts from organisations including Council, the Department of Health and Human Services, Regional Development Victoria and Agriculture Victoria.
The first meeting will be held on Tuesday 20 December at the Red Cliffs Civic Centre, while the second will be held on Wednesday 21 December at the Merbein Community Hub. Both meetings start at 6pm.
In addition to being provided with an update on recovery efforts, the community will also be able to seek out the latest in advice and support in the following areas:
- Business and agriculture industry recovery
- Support for individuals and families
- Council services
- Health and well-being information
- Insurance-related issues.
Representatives from Rural Financial Counselling, Mallee Family Care, Sunraysia Community Health Services, Mildura Salvation Army and the Victorian Council of Churches will also be represented at the meetings to offer information, support and advice to those impacted by last month’s storm.
There will also be a host of childrens’ activities on offer to ensure families are able to attend and receive all the information they need to recover as quickly as possible.
Ms McClelland urged residents to attend next week’s Community Recovery meetings if they still needed help.
“Despite the 11 November storm occurring more than a month ago now, many residents, including individuals, farmers and businesses owners are still reeling from the damage it caused,” she said.
“Entire crops were wiped out, residents’ homes and businesses severely damaged, and many residents will bear the mental scars of this event for months, if not years to come.
“It’s therefore imperative that people make the most of these community meetings to not only get the latest updates on the recovery process, but determine what help is out there and how they can utilise it.”
In addition to leading recovery efforts during the next three months, Ms McClelland will also be responsible for providing regular progress reports and updates to key Council personnel involved in the storm recovery process.
Ms McClelland boasts 25 years experience in rural financial counselling, most recently worked as executive officer of the North Central Rural Financial Counselling Service.
Ms McClelland starts her new role on Monday.
Media enquiries
Ben Piscioneri
p) (03) 5018 8689
e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au