SUPPORT for storm-affected Macedon Ranges residents will continue next month, with Macedon Ranges Shire Council engaging clinical and consultant psychologist David Younger for a free mental health support event at Woodend Community Centre.
The session, scheduled to start at 6pm on June 15, will provide mental health counselling for people affected by the storm that swept through the Macedon Ranges in June 2021.
The storm left a trail of destruction through the region, and council acknowledged it was a stressful and frightening experience for many shire residents.
Next month’s event, titled ‘Where are We Now? A Storm Recovery Conversation’, will focus on meeting the needs of storm-affected residents.
Mr Younger is experienced in providing support to communities, agencies and organisations affected by natural disasters and emergencies.
He said disruption, stress, delays, fatigue, uncertainty about the future and a realisation there was still much work to do were common experiences for people who lived through a natural disaster.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council community director Maria Weiss encouraged storm-affected residents to attend, share their stories with other affected residents and listen to Mr Younger’s advice on recovery.
She said Mr Younger would bring commitment and sensitivity to the experiences and needs of attendees, and that everyone’s privacy would be respected.
“Our community is incredibly resilient, but emergencies and severe events like the June 9 and 10 storm can disrupt everyday life for a long time afterwards,” she said.
“We know many residents are still cleaning up on their properties and that can take a toll on mental as well as physical health.”
