Maribyrnong Flood Recovery

Council is holding a free community event in partnership with Australian Multicultural Community Services. The event will feature a range of activities including a free barbeque and coffee cart, advice from horticulturists specific to your garden needs, information on opportunities to promote local wildlife, free plants and more.

Date: Sunday 17 November
Time: 10am to 1pm
Location: Coulson Gardens (Esplanade end)

Due to its popularity, the free MAC membership program has been extended until June 2025. This program provides free memberships for residents impacted by the October 2022 flood. This was the most frequently requested program at the recent door-knock of flood impacted homes.

Existing memberships under this program will now be extended until June 2025. Registrations will be reopened for those who have not opted into this program.

To apply, please send an email including your name, phone number and address to floodrecovery@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au. A member of the team will be in touch to discuss the registration process.

Please note this program is for people impacted by the 2022 flood event. All free memberships conclude at the end of June 2025.

Guided by its Community Recovery Committee, Maribyrnong City Council is supporting the development of a program to build and maintain a network of community leaders in flood preparedness.

Community leaders will receive information, resources, and partake in a network supported by the Council and designed to:

• Help your neighbours understand their flood risk and how to be prepared

• Receive risk information and warnings

• Share information with your street or networks through channels relevant to your neighbourhood’s needs.

A community emergency plan will be developed to capture community-led networks.

There is no formal requirement to share warnings or door-knock properties during flood warnings – this network will broaden the reach of the current warning system rather than replace it.

To register your interest:

• Speak with your CRC representative Susan Saunders
• Email floodrecovery@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
• Complete the form below

 Submit an expression of interest online

GenWest is partnering with Council and the Community Recovery Committee to deliver an insurance project which aims to:

• Meet current insurance needs

• Share community learnings and expert advice to help navigate the insurance system in the future

• Share a series of recommendations based on community insurance experiences.

The program will be designed to make insurance information accessible to all of the Maribyrnong community. It will lean on advice from experts, while platforming community experiences and learnings from the 2022 flood.

If you would like to be involved in shaping the program by sharing your insurance experience and making recommendation for the program, contact Nilaufer (GenWest) on 0491 062 054.

Additional hard waste collection opportunities are available for households impacted by the October 2022 Maribyrnong River Flood. If your property was impacted, you are entitled to an additional six at-call waste collections until 16 December 2024.

Collection requirements

• Collections must be scheduled for Mondays only
• Glass must be wrapped
• Green waste must be bundled and tied
• Timber must be under two metres long

Please ensure all hard waste is left on the nature strip no earlier than the Sunday prior to the scheduled collection date. Items must not encroach on road or footpath.

The following items will not be collected. Please ensure these items are not left out on the day of collection: 

• Asbestos
• Paints
• Batteries
• Gas bottles 

How to book your collection

Bookings for additional hard waste collections must be made by phoning Council on 9688 0200.

To be eligible for the additional collections, residents must advise they are booking a Flood Recovery Collection and nominate the preferred week of collection.

Bookings can only be made by contacting Council by phone.

If you require support making a booking, you are welcome to:

• Visit the Maribyrnong Community Centre for face-to-face assistance
• Email floodrecovery@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au.

14 October 2024 marked two years since the devastating Maribyrnong River Flood. The two-year mark serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by many, with community members still displaced, some rebuilding, others yet to begin. Many have made the decision to leave the area permanently.

Community Recovery Committee member, Andrew Monteiro acknowledges the ongoing impact of the flood on the community.

“This flood was devastating and is still impacting many people, however it has also brought out the best in community who came together to support one another. The response from community is worth celebrating.”

Andrew emphasised the importance of a “shared voice in recovery” to enable all of the community to be heard and stand together through the challenges and the wins.

A community event was held on Sunday 13 of October, at Coulson Gardens. The event provided a space for over 150 community members and their families to come together and connect over food and participate in a variety of activities throughout the day, including a Bunurong Cultural History Talk, Blackbird River Cruise trips, art activities, kids’ activities and henna.

Attendees were invited to dedicate a message to someone who supported them during or after the flood by writing a gratitude card at the event. A gratitude card display has been installed at the Maribyrnong Community Centre to showcase the messages dedicated alongside an artwork painted by community on the day. Community is invited to view the artwork and write your own card.

Council is holding a series of skill building workshops for the Maribyrnong community as part of the flood recovery program. Whether you are interested to learn about home maintenance or want to connect with your neighbours while creating a floral arrangement, there will be a program for you. 

To view the program and register, visit: Knowledge is power: Skill building program

With support from Council, Victoria University and Southern Cross University plan to hold a youth art-based recovery program, Floods and Me.

The program uses art-based methods to capture the stories of young people aged 11 to 17 and will contribute to the development of a framework to consider young people in emergency recovery. It is based off the Floods and Me program that took place in Lismore following the February 2022 floods: Current research projects - Faculty of Education - SCU - Southern Cross University. 

Youth involved in the program will also have the chance to exhibit their artwork at the conclusion of the program. 

Register your interest for the program here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PQHZHVD.

Floods and Me information sessions

Information sessions are being held by Victoria University for anyone interested in the program to ask questions and find out more. Session details are below:

• Wednesday 6 November, 6.30 to 7.30pm at the Maribyrnong Community Centre
• Tuesday 12 November, 6.30 to 7.30pm, online

Register for the session via this link for numbers and the online meeting details: https://vuau.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2nLUUm0q84yzmiW. 

Around the World to Maribyrnong

We are inviting expressions of interest from community members interested in hosting a cooking class.

Should cooking classes proceed, dependent on the level of interest expressed, recipes will be collated, and a cookbook will be developed.

All cuisines are welcome, and no formal experience is required – we are simply looking for people with a passion for food and a willingness to share that passion with their community.

If you are interested in facilitating a cooking class, please let us know by submitting an expression of interest online below.

Submit an expression of interest online

Planning and Building Assistance Rebate Scheme

The Department of Transport and Planning has announced a Planning and Building Assistance Rebate Scheme (PBARS). The scheme can assist with expenses for professional services, property-based assessments, and advice necessary for planning and building permit applications.  

Eligible homeowners may qualify to receive a rebate up to $3000 for costs associated with planning and/or building permit applications needed to repair or rebuild their homes destroyed or damaged by the flood. 

The scheme will be administered by Windermere Child and Family Services.

To apply or find out more:

• visit https://www.windermere.org.au/services/financial-assistance-to-repair-and-rebuild-victorian-homes-impacted-by-the-october-2022-floods/, or
• view the fact sheet here: Planning and Building Assistance Rebate Scheme Fact Sheet(PDF, 176KB).

Connecting Community to Builders program

The Connecting Community to Builders program is here to help you get back on your feet after the October 2022 floods by connecting you with registered and available tradespeople who can assist in repairing or rebuilding your home.

Once you have registered, you will be sent a list of approved builders and tradespeople ready to work on your project. You can then directly communicate with your selected professional to coordinate the services that align with your needs.

To find out more or register, visit: 

• Connecting Community to Builders program (planning.vic.gov.au), or
• refer to the fact sheet here: Connecting Community to Builders Program Fact Sheet(PDF, 180KB).

Council building and planning advice

Community are welcome to book individual appointments for specific advice on flood-related building or property development issues. Council’s building and planning officers are happy to meet with residents on-site by request. This is the best way to receive practical advice, whilst viewing a property together.

If you prefer to discuss your plans elsewhere, please request a time to meet our building and planning officers at the Maribyrnong Community Centre, or suggest a location that suits you. Normal fees which apply to this type of advice have been waived as part of Council’s Flood Recovery Program.

Our officers are committed to walking you through Council’s application processes and policies, as well as identifying if you may need to engage an independent building surveyor or planning firm.

Our teams are always available via our Customer Service number (03) 9688 0200. Choose the option to the Building and Planning department for a direct transfer. Should you need a translator to assist during these discussions, please let us know. If you prefer email, you can seek support via floodrecovery@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au.

Cohealth will be trialling a fortnightly recovery support pop-up at the Maribyrnong Community Centre on alternating Tuesdays. The Case Support Workers at Cohealth can provide services information and coordination as well as wellbeing support.

 Drop-in dates for the remainder of the year:

• 26 November 2024
• 10 December 2024

The pop-up site is located at the Maribyrnong Community Centre, 9 Randall Street Maribyrnong. 

You are not required to be an existing cohealth client to access support through this program.

For more information, email the team at cohealth on flood.relief@cohealth.org.au.

In response to the ongoing recovery support needs identified in the recent Understanding our Community Post-Flood Survey, Council has established a program of appointment-based recovery services operating from the Maribyrnong Library during the months of September and October.

Services in attendance include:

View the full program and booking details for each service here: Appointment Based Recovery Support Program(PDF, 117KB)

Appointments can be scheduled directly with the service. Appointments will be held at the Maribyrnong Library, room 4, 200 Rosamond Road, Maribyrnong. 

For program enquiries, email floodrecovery@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au. 

On 31 August, the Maribyrnong Community Recovery Committee (CRC) held a workshop to seek input on their projects and priorities and involve community in determining their next steps.

Some of the top projects and priorities identified at the workshops include:

• Community storytelling project
• Equine assisted therapy
• Music event
• Advocacy for incentives for more resilient rebuilds
• Annual simulation exercise/preparedness initiatives
• Development of accessible insurance resources and information with input from community and advice from experts

If you would like to be involved in the delivery of these initiatives or have project ideas, speak to a member of the CRC or contact the Flood Recovery team at Council on floodrecovery@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au.

An update will be provided on the next steps for the recovery program as these projects progress.

An outline of the workshop is below.

Council undertook a door-knock of properties impacted by the floods to identify ongoing recovery needs, opportunities to provide support, and share information about recovery programs and initiatives. This took place between 28 August and 4 September.

Where possible, an information pack was left with information about recovery programs, support opportunities and more.

If you weren’t home or have not returned to your property, arrange an appointment with one of the team by email at floodrecovery@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au.

Alternatively, you can complete the post card in your information pack to request an appointment.

The Understanding our Community Post-Flood survey was designed to help us better understand the experiences and needs of members of our community impacted by the Maribyrnong River Flood in October 2022.

This feedback will inform ways to tailor our recovery program and assist Council to advocate to meet our community needs.

Thank you to everyone who provided comments; there were 65 responses in total.

The survey data highlighted there are still people unaware of the recovery support services available, and the need for Council to continue its advocacy efforts with external parties.

Key themes from respondents were mitigation/prevention, wellbeing, insurance challenges, communication, financial impact and warning systems/preparedness.

In terms of next steps, Council will:

• Develop an advocacy plan
• Host a community workshop for our community to continue to be heard as part of our recovery planning
• Door-knock flood impacted properties to assess recovery needs and provide information
• Extend the Tai Chi program until the end of 2024
• Create a recovery program card to collect feedback on recovery needs and how to meet them through the program.

To view the key findings of the survey download the Survey Summary(PDF, 104KB).

Council endorsed membership of the Community Recovery Committee to comprise of community representatives, a Councillor representative and an Independent Chair. 

The community representatives and Chair were appointed following an expression of interest and application process. Applications were reviewed by a selection panel comprising of a representative from Emergency Recovery Victoria, the community representative on the Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee, and two Council officers.

Appointed Chair, Martina Holland holds a Master of Education Policy (International) from the University of Melbourne. She has led state-wide psychosocial recovery and mental health initiatives across the not-for-profit, private, and public sectors. Her work focuses on working closely with communities in recovery and demonstrates her commitment to community-centred recovery and resilience-building.

The committee will advise on recovery needs and collaborate with Council to design and implement a recovery plan in alignment with funding received from the State and Federal Government to support community recovery and build resilience.

Committee members’ tenure will conclude in June 2025. 

• Download the Community Recovery Committee Terms of Reference 2024-2025(PDF, 116KB) 

For more information on the Community Recovery Committee, please email floodrecovery@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au or call Council on 9688 0200 and request to speak with a member of the Flood Recovery team.

August CRC meeting summary

The last meeting took place on 21 August. Representatives from VicSES and Melbourne Water attended the meeting and provided the following updates:

• VicSES are updating the Maribyrnong Municipal Storm and Flood Emergency Plan and the Local Flood Guide based on updated modelling from Melbourne Water.
• VicSES have established a Storm and Flood Sub-Committee to consult in the development of the plan.
• Melbourne Water is developing a portal for access to individual property information.
• Melbourne Water is in the procurement process for a Flood Mitigation Study. Community can register their interest to stay updated as the Mitigation Study progresses: https://letstalk.melbournewater.com.au/maribyrnong-river-flood-model/flood-mitigation-study.

The CRC raised the need for individual property risk information and discussed the opportunity for an opt-in flood warden program. 

Visit this page for future meetings summaries. 

Tai Chi is a great way to relax and improve your overall health and wellbeing.

Classes are free, and will be run by experienced instructor Alfred Ng

Drop in to join a class, registrations are not required.

When: 9:30am every Saturday until the end of 2024

Where: Maribyrnong Community Centre, 9 Randall Street, Maribyrnong

Comfortable clothing is recommended. 

My Mental Health - services, directory and online support:

Help and support is available to maintain mental health and wellbeing and includes local services and resources in a number of languages visit:  My Mental Health

Head to Health:

Access free mental health resources and services at Head to Health or to speak to a trained mental health professional contact 1800 595 212

Cohealth Recovery Support Program

The program offers screening and assessments to determine immediate and long term needs for people affected by emergencies. For more information contact: flood.relief@cohealth.org.au

Services supporting the community:

Lifeline: call 13 11 14, 24 hours, seven days a week or visit lifeline.org.au

1800 RESPECT: call 1800 737 732, 24 hours seven days a week or visit 1800respect.org.au

Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre: call 1800 015 188, 24 hours, seven days a week, or visit safesteps.org.au

GenWest: call 1800 436 937, email info@genwest.org.au or visit genwest.org.au

InTouch Multicultural Centre against Family Violence: call 1800 755 988, or visit intouch.org.au

Djirra, support for Aboriginal people, call 1800 105 303, or visit djirra.org.au

MensLine Australia: call 1300 789 978 or visit mensline.org.au

Seniors Rights Victoria: call 1300 368 821, or visit seniorsrights.org.au

Kids helpline (services for young people aged 5 to 25) : call 1800 551 800, 24 hours seven days a week or visit kidshelpline.com.au

Resources supporting Young People:

Headspace - https://https//headspace.org.au/explore-topics/supporting-a-young-person/natural-disasters/

Red Cross - https://www.redcross.org.au/emergencies/resources/

Salvation Army - https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/disasters-and-emergencies/natural-disasters-helping-kids-cope/

Youth Disaster Recovery - http://www.youthdisasterrecovery.com.au/

Council resolved on 18 June 2024 to continue rate support for eligible residents. Those with a dwelling that is still impacted by the flood can apply for 50% rebate off the Rates and Municipal Charge for the first, second, third and fourth rate instalments for the 2024/25 period.

Your application must include evidence of a dwelling on the property, along with evidence of the flood damage to the dwelling and that work is still required to repair that damage.

Property owners who were eligible for the above rebate but were required to demolish their dwelling, will be granted a rebate of 50% on the vacant residential land rates upon application, provided a Certificate of Occupancy is obtained within 24 months of the completed building demolition.

Please note the rebate does not apply for State Government Fire Service Levy.

To apply:

Complete the form below. There is an option to select all quarters on the form, and your application will be reassessed after each installment for eligibility. A 50% discount will be applied to each instalment if the dwelling is still impacted. We’ll communicate this via email. 

 If a resident opts to pay in full, the rebate will be applied for the entire year. We will contact them after the first instalment to request evidence, which will be the same for quarterly instalments.

We have removed the deferment option to prevent additional financial distress. Instead, we will offer assistance through the financial hardship option.

Once we have received your application, a member of our team will contact you to discuss your situation.

To complete the application, you will need your rates assessment number which can be found on your rates assessment notice.

Submit an application online 

Community Recovery Committee Review

The Community Recovery Committee was initiated to enable Council to receive advice and support from community on recovery issues, barriers and needs after the Maribyrnong River Flood in October 2022. The committee was also established to advise on the development and implementation of recovery and resilience programs and strategies.

The formation of the Community Recovery Committee was endorsed at the Council Meeting on 7 February 2023 and the first meeting was held in April 2023.

An independent review of the committee was conducted after eight months of operation to ensure it was functioning as planned.

A report was produced as part of the review. The report and the amended Community Recovery Committee Terms of Reference were received by Council on 19 March 2024.

As a result of the review findings, Council is making a number of changes to the committee including appointing an independent Chair, reopening expressions of interest for new members, and inviting agency representatives from GenWest and cohealth to join the committee.

Please see key documents below: 

• Report: Community Recovery Committee Review(PDF, 1MB)
• Community Recovery Committee Review Frequency Asked Questions(PDF, 316KB)
• Agenda and Minutes - Council meeting 19 March 2024 

Flood Recovery Hotline

Emergency Recovery Victoria is still offering help to flood impacted communities across Victoria

Call 1800 560 760 for support with

• repairs
• accommodation
• financial support
• mental health support

The hotline is answered between 8:30am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday

For further information visit the Emergency Recovery Victoria webpage.

Case Management

Windermere has been activated as a case management referral agency for residents of Maribyrnong, providing support around longer-term accommodation.

For more information call the Flood Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 or visit the Emergency Recovery Victoria webpage.

Re-establishment Assistance

Re-establishment assistance is available if your principal place of residence has been damaged or destroyed. 

Eligibility for this payment depends on your household income. To be eligible, you:

• did not have building (home) insurance or contents insurance
• are experiencing financial hardship

To apply, call 1300 475 170 or visit the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing website.

Applications have now closed as at 5pm, 31 July 2023

Business Support

Mentors are available to guide Business owners through other support available and help manage insurance and landlord issues, assess impacts and form strategies for recovery.

For more information visit the Business Victoria website.

Free, confidential, mental health and wellbeing support is also available.  For more information visit the Partners in Wellbeing website or phone 1300 375 330.

Insurance update July 2023

Insurance providers have been focused on reviewing and progressing claims in Maribyrnong.

This will continue, however people are encouraged to contact their insurance provider directly to discuss repair timeframes, temporary accommodation needs or any other claim or policy questions. 

You can make a complaint at any stage of the process, if you are not satisfied.

For more information on Insurance recovery and claims process visit https://insurancecouncil.com.au/resource/insurance-recovery-process/

Donations via GIVIT

GIVIT continue to assist impacted communities with items and gift vouchers. If you require support, please reach out to us via: floodrecovery@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

Anyone with goods they are wanting to donate to help flood affected families should visit the GIVIT website where offers can be lodged.

On 26 April 2023, Council unanimously endorsed a submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2022 Victorian Floods. The submission provides suggestions on key actions to be undertaken to minimise the impacts of future events:

• A review of warning systems to ensure it is accessible to all in the community and information is provided in a consistent way.
• Improved coordination between different government agencies to ensure that roles are defined.
• A clear framework and agreements between relevant organisations and agencies in respect of clean-up activities, management of volunteers and the roll out of funding support.
• An assessment of current flood management and land use planning framework to ensure they are fit for purpose and mitigate the risks and impacts of future flood events.
• A mitigation plan, including funding, must be developed for Maribyrnong to minimise the impact of future flood events.

Visit the Agenda and Minutes page to read the submission in full in the agenda for the City Development Delegated Committee meeting held on 26 April 2023 (page 155).

Maribyrnong City Council's submission to Melbourne Water's Maribyrnong River Flood Review

Council has lodged a formal submission to Melbourne Water’s Maribyrnong River Flood Review.

525 properties in the township were impacted during the October flood event with ongoing health, social and economic impacts still being felt.

In its submission Council seeks to challenge the narrow scope of the review, and in particular the specific exclusion of policy responses and mitigation measures.

It also addresses the impact of the event, noting rebuild and recovery processes are still underway, Flood Modelling and Warnings, the Flemington Racecourse Wall, Flooding and Land Use Planning, and Melbourne Water’s role in Emergency Management.

Council’s submission notes a number of areas where it believes the review needs to provide clear recommendations to ensure flood hazards and the impacts of future floods can be minimised.

Click here to read the submission in full in the agenda for the City Development Delegated Committee meeting held on 28 March 2023 (page 73).

Melbourne Water Maribyrnong River Flood Review 

For more information regarding the review visit Melbourne Water’s Maribyrnong River Flood Review webpage.

On Tuesday 25 October, Council held a community meeting where representatives from Council, EPA, Disaster Recovery Australia, Emergency Recovery Victoria and cohealth were in attendance to share information with the community and answer questions. 

The meeting was livestreamed, and a recording can be viewed below. 

On Thursday 15 December, we held a community meeting at Maribyrnong Community Centre with presentations given by Council, VicSES and Melbourne Water, facilitated by Victoria Police. 

View the recording of the presentations below.