Introducing the Flood Insurance Guide
Published on 31 March 2025
Based on insights from community contributors about what they wish they had known before the Maribyrnong River Flood, Council has partnered with GenWest to deliver a resource to support anyone impacted by future flood events with information and learnings.
More than 500 properties were impacted when the Maribyrnong River breached its banks in the early hours of 14 October 2022 with hundreds of residents displaced. Many are still unable to return to their homes or are grappling with ongoing challenges related to insurance and repairs.
Insurance was one of the top priorities identified by the Community Recovery Committee (CRC) – comprising representatives from the community – established in the wake of the flood to provide guidance and support to Council to help address issues and barriers that hinder recovery and advocate for positive outcomes.
The resulting Flood Insurance Guide: A Maribyrnong Community Initiative includes clear, accessible information on how and why to take out insurance, how to make a claim and the complaint process. Copies will also be available in Vietnamese. It also features content from legal, financial and recovery experts – as well as tips for mental health and wellbeing during the aftermath of a flood.
City of Maribyrnong Mayor, Cr Pradeep Tiwari, said the Guide was a practical, thoughtful resource for residents at risk of flood events in Maribyrnong, and Australia more broadly.
“I am confident this step-by-step guide will benefit those wanting to understand how to protect their assets with easy to understand information from experts, along with valuable insights from community members who have lived experience,” he said.
The CRC has been instrumental in supporting Council with guidance on recovery needs since the 2022 flood, which led to this guide. “We are also grateful for the contributions of the broader Maribyrnong community in its development,” Mayor Tiwari added.
Chief Executive Officer of GenWest, Dale Wakefield, said this guide exemplifies strong community and agency partnership.
“GenWest facilitated safe spaces for affected communities to share their insurance experiences, and partner agencies generously contributed expert knowledge and resources,” said Ms Wakefield.
“We are deeply grateful for this collaborative effort, and hope it will support people navigate the insurance process with greater ease," she continued.
To download a copy of the Flood Insurance Guide, please visit: www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Residents/Emergency-Management/Maribyrnong-Flood-Recovery/Maribyrnong-Insurance-Project
This project was jointly funded through the Victorian and Australian Governments through the Community Recovery Hubs program.
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