Agency connection identified key in region flood recovery

COLLABORATION and communication across all agencies has been identified as a key focus for the Loddon Shire’s flood recovery.

Six month’s after the October flood emergency, the shire’s municipal flood recovery committee held its first meeting a fortnight ago.

Agencies reported on their recovery efforts to the Serpentine meeting attended by Loddon councillors, CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald and flood team members.

Shire wellbeing director Wendy Gladman said the committee’s next action would be to finalise the draft municipal flood recovery plan.

“This was the first meeting of the Loddon Municipal Flood Recovery Committee so (it) included a recap of the event, information on the relief and response activities undertaken, an introduction by all agencies and information provided on the activities and support they provide,” she said.

According to Mrs Gladman, key information discussed included: z The availability of the Primary producer grants and loans – highlighting that these pro- grams close on April 30 and encouraging Loddon primary producers to apply, or to reach out to Rural Financial Counselling Service for assistance. z There is ongoing emergency and make-safe work occurring across roads and waterways, while planning is underway for the longer term works needed.

Healthy Minds Network Art Competition

Continuing to raise awareness of mental health within the Loddon community; the Loddon Healthy Minds Art Competition is on again in 2023!

This year themes are Open Section & Years 9-12: Mental Health No More Stigma or Be Kind To Your Mind. Years 5-8: Be kind to your mind or Just don’t give up. Years 3 and 4: Supplied A4 colouring poster What makes you happy. Prep-Year 2: Supplied A4 colouring poster Believe in you.

Entry forms are available at from our website https://www. loddonhealthyminds.com.au/events/2023-annual-loddon-healthy-mindsnetwork-art-competition z Health prevention focus on providing information to communities on the available mental health supports and mosquito borne diseases and how to best protect themselves.

Agencies at the meeting included Agriculture Victoria, North Central Catchment Management Authority, Loddon Pub- lic Health Unit – Prevention and Population Health, Department of Families Fairness and Housing, Regional Development Victoria, Department Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Victorian Farmers Federation local representatives, Emergency Recovery Victoria, Mind Australia and Victoria Police.

The flood recovery meeting came as National Centre for Farmer Health representatives are attending events across the Loddon.

The centre filmed a presentation earlier this month in Boort with clinical psychologist Rob Gordon and supported a barefoot bowls night in the town to build community strength and resilience.

Members of the bowls, tennis and croquet clubs organised the bowls function.

The centre is partnering with Victoria’s community groups, local agriculture industry, notfor-profit organisations, sporting clubs and individuals with grants of $500 to $1500 for activities that provide social connection and mental health promotion for farmers and farming communities.

It also supported a farmer gettogether in Inglewood last week.

David Goulding

‘What if’ questions six months later

WELLBEING strategies had emerged as being vital six months after the floods, said Mind Australia’s David Goulding.

Mr Goulding has been visiting Loddon communities giving support since October.

“There have been a lot of simmering wellbeing issues,” he said last week.

“In the initial shock, people were only interested in survival. Six months later the ‘what if’ questions are being asked.

“We try to help people and discuss (their challenges) in a safe place and work out strategies.

“Communities still need support and our outreach is taking us into those communities talking with people.”

Mr Goulding joined other agencies at last week’s Loddon Plains Landcare Network farmer get-together in Inglewood.

The accidental Counsellor Foundations Workshop o ers a great set of toolbox skills for those moments when you might least expect to be called upon in a counselling or caring capacity.

Participants gain a greater understanding of how to communicate more e ectively and learn strategies to help foster e ective and trusting relationships with clients or peers. In this workshop, participants are asked to re ect on personal values and beliefs and how they in uence interactions with clients. Visit the Lifeline Loddon Mallee website to book in for upcoming FREE event in Boort on May 1 - https://lifelinelm.org.au/workshops

High voltage transmission lines are proposed to be constructed in Loddon Shire.

AEMO Victorian Planning will be hosting a community drop in session at Wedderburn tomorrow, Friday 24 March, from 3pm to 5pm.

For more information on engagement opportunities https://aemo.com.au/.../ vni-west/stakeholderconsultation

Written submissions are due on or before 5 April 2023 and should be emailed to VNIWestRITT@ aemo.com.au