Flood recovery program to end

SUPPORT for Bendigo businesses and individuals under the government-funded Partners in Wellbeing Flood Recovery Program will officially end this Sunday 30 June.

Be.Bendigo has been delivering a range of free services under the Partners in Wellbeing banner since 2021 as part of COVID pandemic recovery, but government funding shifted in October 2022 to help people affected by flooding.

Be.Bendigo chief executive officer Rob Herbert said small businesses in particular had used the service, although the organisation did not have access to specific data about calls to the service hotline of 1300 375 330 or one-on-one counselling sessions.

“Some have used it as a business session for their teams; workplace behaviour and some of those initiatives,” Mr Herbert said.

Offered as part of the state and federal governments’ Flood Recovery Package to support small businesses to return to trade in the wake of the 2022 floods, the program has provided direct mental health and wellbeing support through workshops, webinars, community events and referrals to personal support.

Be.Bendigo has had several specialist support people working under the program at various times, including mental health clinician Sharmi Cantwell.

Mr Herbert said while the localised services would end, support through the broader program would continue to be available under the winder Partners in Wellbeing umbrella.

These will include small business financial counselling, small business wellbeing, a business advisory service, personal wellbeing coaching and peer support, veterans support, and support in accessing mental health services.

Mr Herbert said the first step to arrange support was calling the hotline number or submitting referral forms online at partnersinwellbeing.org.au.

Information is also available on the Be.Bendigo website.