Members of key volunteer agencies were formally recognised and thanked by Murrindindi Shire Council for their efforts in supporting communities across the Shire during the emergency response to the October 2022 Floods and through ongoing recovery activities.
At Council's Scheduled Meeting on 22 March, Murrindindi Shire Mayor John Walsh thanked volunteers for their tremendous efforts in confronting the October Floods and the immediate aftermath, before presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to the following people and community organisations:
- Peter Weeks and Liz Baker - Alexandra Unit - State Emergency Service (SES)
- Mark Peart and Troy Surkit - Marysville Unit – State Emergency Service (SES)
- David Webb-Ware and William McCarthy - Yea Group Country Fire Authority (CFA)
- Alan Harding - Alexandra Group Country Fire Authority (CFA)
- Robyn Ellis and John Cannon - Alexandra Community Hub
- Sarah Southam and Michael Mawson - Upper Goulburn Community Radio Inc
- Peter Ray - Victorian Council of Churches Emergencies Ministries
Council also acknowledged the following groups who were an apology on the evening:
- Flowerdale Community House – Rebekah Grant & Kelly Clift
- Australian Red Cross – Kristie Luckman
- Yea Community House – Natalie & Carlie
- Rapid Relief Team
Extract from Murrindindi Shire Council's Mayor John Walsh's remarks:
"In the floods, you rescued people and pets, filled sandbags, diverted traffic from danger, provided places of refuge, grappled with fallen powerlines, broadcasted emergency messages and did whatever needed to be done."
"For all that work, we most sincerely thank you. We also thank you for the countless hours of commitment you provided before the floods to ensure you were fully trained and ready to respond."
"While the focus tonight is on our volunteer organisations, we are also very grateful for the assistance and guidance of professional emergency services that came to our aid and the efforts of our Council staff and those from neighbouring councils."
"I must also acknowledge others in the community who took it upon themselves to provide assistance to their neighbours, using tractors to get to people isolated by rising waters, using boats to push cattle to higher group, organising cattle feed or just ensuring there was a cup of tea when needed. These are all acts of kindness and generosity, that really are the true identifiers of our communities."
"Once again, thank you all so much. I hope the formal certificates of appreciation will be a proud reminder of the esteem in which you are held by the community."
Pictured: Murrindindi Shire Councillors, together with members of key volunteer groups and organisations, who were recognised for their tremendous efforts during the October 2022 Floods.
