THE City of Whittlesea opened up an Emergency Relief Centre to help support neighbouring councils who have had residents impacted by recent fires, and say they are ready to support the Murrindindi Council by providing arborists, engineers and building surveyors to help repair what has been lost.
A statement from City of Whittlesea Mayor Councillor Lawrie Cox outlined how council would support residents.
“At the City of Whittlesea our thoughts are with those impacted; those who have lost their homes and their livelihoods,” he said.
“The fires have left our neighbouring councils of Murrindindi and Mitchell in need of support as they begin the very long process; firstly to make the area safe and then start the long road to recovery.
“At the City of Whittlesea we are all too familiar with the impacts of fire, with the experiences of February 2009 still all too fresh in the minds of many in our community.
“Over the past few days, we have supported our neighbours and will continue to do so as needed.
“In coming weeks, once the danger has passed, we expect to support Murrindindi Council further with arborists, engineers and building surveyors amongst other roles.
“Our community has asked how they can get involved in and we would encourage people to consider donating to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal launched by the state government.
“We understand the importance of community and that extends beyond municipal borders. We will continue to be in close contact with our neighbours to provide our support through the weeks and months ahead.”
