Blue Shirt Brigade working with locals to continue clean-up efforts
Published on 26 October 2022
Disaster Relief Australia is joining the community volunteers to support ongoing clean-up efforts of the more than 245 flood affected properties.
Launched in 2016, the nationwide not-for-profit unites the skills and experiences of Australian Defence Force veterans, emergency responders and civilians bringing the necessary expertise and networks to best support our community.
They pair keen local volunteers with individual needs of those needing support while managing the safety of all involved in the clear out of flood damaged possessions from properties.
Mayor, Cr Anthony Tran, says Council acknowledges and commends the efforts of the many community members who have been doing their bit to support their neighbours in the aftermath of this devastating flood event.
“The way residents from across the municipality have been pitching in exemplifies the spirit of the Maribyrnong community and we could not be more proud of the way our residents have come together to help.”
Given the enormity of the task ahead, Council has worked with government to bring in the structured and qualified guidance of the Disaster Recovery experts to help with the mammoth clean-up, which has so far seen more than 4,000 cubic metres of hard waste collected and 160 tonnes of mud and silt removed from the impacted area.
DRA has access to support and services beyond Council’s reach. Importantly, they also bring the necessary expertise and networks to best support our community in the days and weeks ahead.All those who have signed up to help have been actively engaged on the ground supporting residents over the last few days.
Anyone wanting to volunteer can register in-person at the Raleigh Road Activity Centre, 54 Raleigh Road, Maribyrnong, online via disasterreliefaus.org/volunteer or by calling 1300 372 287.
Residents needing help can log their request at the Relief Centre at the Maribyrnong Community Centre, 9 Randall Street, Maribyrnong.
Raleigh Road is being closed overnight this week from the Maribyrnong River to Hortense Street and Alameda Avenue to provide safe access to crews to clear hard waste from the area, including from Van Ness Avenue. The closure is timed for 11:30pm to 4:30am.
More than 4,000 cubic metres of hard waste has been picked up and more than 450 cubic metres of mud and slurry cleared from roads and drains and 120,000 cubic metres of debris from open spaces, which remain closed in the meantime.
Street sweeping continues to keep roads and footpaths clear of any residue to support access for waste collections and residents.
The Relief Centre remains open at the Maribyrnong Community Centre from 9am-5pm.
Stay informed
Residents are encouraged to keep an eye on the VicEmergency website for updates emergency.vic.gov.au
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