Thanks to Chris Knight for his presentation on the relief efforts he is doing for the people of Shepparton after flooding in 2022 and 2024.
Notes from Anne
THE FLOOD ASSISTANCE PROJECT WORKS
Tonight's presentation about "Connecting Communities Australia" demonstrates what works, and how well it works.This organization and Chris Knight's involvement began during COVID. He came to search to volunteer involvement in disaster recovery (in bushfires, droughts and other occurrences).
Chris scoped out the project in Shepparton and surrounds due to the fact that many residents are still feeling the pain, which covers many aspects, which can also deal with mental wellness issues. Specifically, the "Make Safe" program disconnects power and gas. Often, flood damage to property has many sequences - firstly, to let the frame of the residence dry out and secondly, to undertake mould treatment after the property dries out. Interestingly, the devastation caused by floods was not equally felt as someohouses in the same street suffered but others didn't (brings back memories of the fires in Sydney back in 1994 where houses were taken out in the suburb and the one next door was untouched).
Whilst they are still struggling with the results of the floods the residents in this zone are thankful that someone out there has agreed to offer a hand of help. The goal for Chris is to obtain at least fifteen volunteers to undertake a flood relief project in Shepparton. Many of the volunteers in "Connecting Communities Australia" are ex-Qantas employees. Chris opened up to us and outlined what is not only a practical project, but an extremely thoughtful one.
What is being implemented warms the hearts and mind of those in need.

