Rural Aid to help flood clean-up efforts

Published on 16 May 2023

Queensland-based charitable organisation, Rural Aid will be visiting the Gannawarra next week to assist with recovery efforts following the October-December 2022 floods.

Around 40 volunteers will be based at Alexandra Park, Kerang from 21-27 May, using their one-week visit to the area to help local primary producers undertake repairs on flood-impacted farming properties.

“The Gannawarra has a strong relationship with Rural Aid, evident in 2019 when the organisation contributed $3,000 to kick start the Gannawarra Giving Account to support local drought relief efforts,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“Having a large number of volunteers visit the area will boost the morale of farming families recovering from last year’s floods, as well as provide additional support for our local retailers.”

Rural Aid is the second organisation to base volunteers in the Gannawarra to assist with flood recovery efforts. Natural disaster recovery organisation, BlazeAid has been based in the area since January, with volunteers currently using the Murrabit Tennis Clubrooms as a headquarters.

BlazeAid is regularly seeking volunteers to assist with efforts, with residents who have a spare few hours to help with repairing stock containment and boundary fencing or property clean up efforts encouraged to phone 0459 434 766 or email Kerang@blazeaid.com.au

“Having both Rural Aid and BlazeAid in the area to assist highlights the goodwill in the community to support residents who are working to return to normality following last year’s floods,” Mr Rollinson said.

Primary producers can register with Rural Aid by phoning 1300 327 624 or completing the online Farmer Registration at www.ruralaid.org.au

For more information regarding support available for residents and businesses impacted by the floods, please visit Council’s online flood emergency portal, located at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/floods