Rural Access report
It's a sombre time following in the wake of the fires. It is incomprehensible to imagine how it must have felt for those people who were involved. It would seem that many of us know of someone who has been touched by the tragedy.
People with disabilities were also among those affected and support assistance from agencies and DHS (Department of Human Services) has been set up.
Bushfire recovery transport assistance
Free public transport will be provided to those who have lost their homes and have received an emergency grant, temporary living grant or re-establishment grant from the Department of Human Services.
Passes will be issued to all residents, including children. The free travel will be available until October 1 on all public transport services in Victoria, including metropolitan, V/Line and bus services within regional cities.
Information on how to apply for the grants can be found on the website: www.dhs.vic.gov.au
Taxi assistance: For the next two weeks (commencing Monday 9th February), the Victorian Taxi Association (VTA) will pay taxi fares for people in bushfire affected areas who have lost their house or their house has been severely damaged; lost Immediate family or have immediate family member hospitalized; or lost their only family vehicle for travel to and from their property to the nearest major town (including school trips
)In addition to transporting these people, the VTA will pay the fare for the delivery by taxis of essential goods to people: such as food, water, medication, bedding and other items of sustenance. VTA will also pay the fare for the transporting of essential goods to local rest and assembly areas for fire fighters, and for the transport of emergency service workers, local support groups, medical services, volunteer support and trauma counsellors to and from public assembly areas.
Euroa Lawn Bowls 'Come n' Try Day!'
Unfortunately due to the extreme temperatures, the Bowling Day in January was cancelled.
The next date is Friday 27 February 9 - 1:20 followed by Friday 27 March 9-1:30.
Please come along and try your hand having a bowl, or perhaps you can bring along someone so they can participate and enjoy themselves whilst learning a new skill.
People of all abilities including those with low vision are invited to attend. Please book with me, on the number at the top of the column for catering purposes.
Access to Premises Standards
The draft Access to Premises Standards were tabled in Parliament on 2nd December 2008. Once consultation is finalised in early 2009, it is expected that these Standards will be introduced. The Standards will mean significant change in the requirements for access for new and upgraded buildings in Australia.
For more information please see the Australian Human Rights Commission website.
Interchange Host Program Information Night
Familycare Disability Services are hosting an information night in Euroa at the ECEC 50 Binney St on Monday 2nd March 2009 at 7.30 - 8.30 pm
Would you like to know more about how you can volunteer with Interchange by providing respite for a child with a disability in your home, one weekend a month?
Why not come along and find out more? Host families are urgently needed in the Strathbogie Shire. The commitment is not huge, but the REWARDS ARE!
For more information contact Barb Putamorsi on 03 5823 7074 or bputamorsi@familycare.net.au RSVP Essential - Supper provided
Even though in a lot ways many of us may feel helpless, every little bit helps in some way. Small communities become part of Australia's large community at times like this as people are embraced with compassion by those near and far.
Every person's heart has been touched by this fire in some way and this love and support we offer will hopefully go a LONG WAY in helping people to begin to rebuild their shattered lives.
The monthly Rural Access report submitted by Euroa based Goulburn Rural Access Project Officer, Pam Wippell.
Email: pam.wippell@strathbogie.vic.gov.au
Mob 0407 839 323