THE City of Greater Bendigo emergency relief centre at the Bendigo Showgrounds has closed, which was set up to support those affected by this month\u2019s flooding.<\/p>\n
The centre catered to up to 280 people a night in recent weeks, many from Rochester and Echuca, before closing its gates on Thursday.<\/p>\n
A statement from the City said most evacuees have either returned home, or \u201chave been able to move into longer-term, temporary accommodation.\u201d<\/p>\n
City director Andrew Cooney said about 15 people were still at the centre earlier in the week, finalising their plans.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs it became evident this flood event will have a long-term impact, evacuees were supported to find alternate accommodation or return home,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cA range of agencies have been based at the centre since it opened, helping evacuees with their physical and mental health, accessing State and Federal government funding, and finding somewhere to live.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs the flood affected communities further north move into the recovery phase, these staff can continue to provide support in these areas.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe relief centre was a short-term, emergency option. It opened quickly and can be re-opened quickly should there be a need in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Cooney thanked fellow City staff who he said had worked tirelessly to ensure evacuees were cared for, comfortable, and had everything they needed, despite their trauma.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe recovery process from this flood event will be long and I encourage our community to look for opportunities to volunteer and lend a hand into the future,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
An Echuca Emergency Relief Centre remains open at the Echuca South Basketball Stadium.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE City of Greater Bendigo emergency relief centre at the Bendigo Showgrounds has closed, which was set up to support those affected by this month\u2019s flooding. The centre catered to up to 280 people a night in recent weeks, many from Rochester and Echuca, before closing its gates on Thursday. A statement from the City […]<\/p>\n