Engaging directly with people and community organisations in disaster-affected areas of Victoria is an important aspect of SSRV’s work – both as a specialist statewide community legal centre and because of our focus on the intersection between social security and the impact of disasters. In early September SSRV Project Worker, Mark Morand, travelled to Murrabit, just north of Kerang, to conduct part of a major series of community engagements facilitated by our colleagues at Mallee Family Care Community Legal Centre.
This beautiful part of Victoria has been severely affected by floods in recent years, so it was important for SSRV to take some time to hear about and better understand their impact and about how the community is preparing for possible future events. Through participation in the program, SSRV was able to contribute information about the types of social security legal problems that may arise due to the impact of disasters, how SSRV can assist with addressing these matters, and about the support that may be available from the social security system in the aftermath of a major disaster. The audience included community members and other community services workers from Victoria’s Northwest.
At the invitation of Mallee Family Care Flood Recovery Support Worker, Louise Theodore, Mark travelled to Murrabit to address locals attending the second day of a Disaster Management Training program delivered at the Kerang Neighbourhood House, an event also supported by the NAB Foundation.
Mark spoke to those attending about SSRV’s work, the types of disaster-related state and federal government payments that may be made available in the event of a disaster and, importantly, shared some tips about how to navigate the social security system when disaster strikes.
Mark also learned a thing or two about floods from the abundant local expertise that was available on the day, as well as being reminded about the enduring quality of country hospitality.
