Aftermath of the floods at local Kindergarten
Echuca Kindergarden
Supporting flood victims and community recovery in North Eastern Victorian
As floods ravaged North Eastern Victoria , Merri Health ’ s local Regional team stepped up with exceptional care to support vulnerable residents and ensure their safety , whilst grappling with the impacts of the natural disaster themselves .
Merri Health ’ s team is part of the local community . They live , work and share the experiences of the residents they support - many of whom are highly vulnerable .
This deep local knowledge and local relationships enabled us to quickly identify the most vulnerable residents and their needs – and to act rapidly .
Our teams provided extra support alongside regular services , including :
• providing flood information in various languages
• organising a script for a vulnerable resident who needed medication when their pharmacy was flooded
• helping kindergarten teachers , parents and kids in Benalla , Seymour , Mooroopna , Shepparton and other areas with specially produced information and resources
• supporting vulnerable children through our School Readiness and Early Childhood programs
• connecting residents with mental health services
“ Our teams are highly skilled and provided diverse support , from welfare checks and counselling for vulnerable residents , to providing tip sheets for stressed parents . Each day was different as we responded to immediate needs as they arose .”
Tanya Lowes
Merri Health Manager Children ’ s Services , Ovens-Murray
The floods are the sixth natural disaster in five years to hit the Northern Region .
The emergency declarations were removed in November ; however our teams continue to support the community through the ongoing impacts of the trauma .
MerriNews December 2022 – January 2023 | 3 .