Community called to not forget about them

IT’S been six months since floodwaters tore through Rochester impacting houses and businesses.

Today, the majority of those whose houses were destroyed are still living in temporary accommodation.

People who had been able to return home were few and far between, said Rochester Community House flood recovery coordinator Tanya McDermott.

“There are still only a very small percentage of people who have been able to fix their houses and move back in,” she said.

“Most of the people who have been able to do that ironically are those who didn’t have insurance.

“They were able to access re-establishment grant funding via the State Government and utilise that money to undertake the repairs, as well I would say, by using some of their savings and resources.”

Insurance companies are holding up the process of restoration for most everyone else Ms McDermott said.

“Many people are still negotiating the insurance process, still disputing the offers and cash payouts that have been offered to them,” she said.

“They have challenges around what they thought they were covered for, what they are being told they were covered for, and what the future looks like given that shortfall.”

Ms McDermott said support for the town had been great, but people need to remember there is a long way to go.

“The most important thing people can do is not forget, not forget the Rochester people are still living and breathing this every day,” she said.

“Not forget in another 12 or 18 months’ time, they are still going to be living and breathing this every day.”

There are a number of ways to support the town, though it is still premature to donate things like furniture.

“Right at this minute the community doesn’t need things, they are a long way off needing things,” Ms McDermott said.

“If you are looking for something to do for a day, come for a drive to Rochy and grab a coffee and something to eat from the bakery or the café.

“Or meet up with friends for a meal at the Rochy pub, drop into the little shops that are open and buy your petrol while you are here. Those types of things are valuable.”

Formal donations can be made at rochester.org.au/flood-info or you can reach out to Rochester Community House to purchase and donate vouchers.

Vouchers that are donated to the community go towards fuel or groceries and are then used at a local business.