It’s been nearly three months since the first of winter’s devastating storms swept through the region, leaving damage and destruction in its wake.
For many, those wild and extremely wet days are a fading memory, but for others, they are still very real and fresh as their recovery continues.
We still have a recovery team working on various aspects of the aftermath of the back-to-back storms, with our three Navigators at the forefront of community support.
So far, the Navigators have had contact with about 150 people who have reached out for guidance and advice, but we know there are still people struggling.
Lead Navigator Katie Sellars says people have many different needs and questions, and her team is fielding a wide range of enquiries from how to deal with red and yellow stickered properties to guidance through the complex insurance process.
Katie says our Navigators connect people with agencies and organisations that can help them, but she knows there are some in the community putting on a brave face and still trying to cope by themselves.
She’s calling on friends and family to check in on those who have been affected and encourage them to seek help.
Katie says people need to know there’s still plenty of free help, and a wealth of knowledge and resources available and the Navigators can point them in the right direction.
Get in touch with one of our Navigators by phone 03 543 8400 or email [email protected].
Meanwhile, Mayor Tim King has extended the official emergency recovery period by a further 28 days, which will continue until Thursday 9 October.
This decision has been made in accordance with the powers provided under the Civil Defence and Emergency Management Act to ensure the continued safety and recovery of our communities.