As a priority, Gippsland Lakes Complete Health will be maintaining our service delivery, as long as it is safe to do so. 

The recovery response is highly regulated at this point, so that those affected can be registered to get the support that they need, particularly those who have been evacuated and lost homes.

The following is the directive from Department of Health and Human Services:

Municipal councils are responsible for coordinating recovery at the local level for affected individuals and communities. Municipal councils will work with local partners to determine local arrangements to manage relief and recovery activities.

These arrangements are documented in the Shire’s Municipal Emergency Management Plan. Click HERE to view.

The provision of personal and psychosocial support in East Gippsland is through the Victorian Council of Churches – Emergency Ministry (VCC-EM), with Australian Red Cross also providing personal support.

Provision of nursing and medical services is beyond the scope of what is provided as part of relief centre arrangements and individuals who require this will be directed and assisted to attend medical and hospital services.

If the Shire identifies additional needs that we can meet, GLCH will be called upon to assist.

There will be a long period of recovery for all East Gippsland communities over the weeks and months to come.  We encourage all community members to seek help if they need it.  GLCH might not be able to directly provide what you need, but we can give you information and refer you to an agency that can. 

I would also like to commend our staff, many of whom have been supporting the organisation and our communities through this state of disaster.  Staff have made themselves available to attend relief and recovery centres and are helping out in any way they can.  Many staff have been personally impacted by the fires and we will support them to recover.

Sue Medson, CEO