Residents encouraged to attend Heathcote Flood Recovery Expo

Following the October 2022 floods and to help build resilience in the community, the Heathcote Flood Recovery Expo will be held on Saturday February 25 at Barrack Reserve from 12pm – 3pm.

The expo will feature a presentation from psychologist David Younger and attendees will also be able to meet with representatives from Victoria Police, CFA, SES, Coliban Water, Agriculture Victoria, North Central Catchment Management Authority, Bendigo Loddon Public Health Unit, Heathcote Health, Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services, Centre for Non-Violence, Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, Victorian Council of Churches Emergencies Ministry and City of Greater Bendigo.

The expo is being staged by the Heathcote Safer Towns Working Group, in conjunction with Heathcote Community House and Heathcote Health, following feedback from residents who were impacted by last year’s flood event.

It is estimated 40 homes in the Heathcote area were inundated.

Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf encouraged any residents, not just those in Heathcote, affected by the floods to make the most of this opportunity.

“We understand following an event of this scale that there will be many in the community needing assistance and looking for useful information to continue their recovery,” Cr Metcalf said.

“The impact of natural disasters can be long lasting and while most people do recover successfully, it can be a complex journey back to normality and overcoming anxiety associated with the event.

“Psychologist David Younger has over a decade of experience and will provide valuable guidance and support to residents who are looking for strategies to help them move forward.

“All residents from across Greater Bendigo who were impacted by the October 2022 floods are welcome to attend.

“We are continuing to learn of people from across the municipality who were affected in various ways, so we hope to attract as many people as possible to come and share their experience and speak with the relevant agencies, and benefit from David’s expertise.”