Disaster recovery is a long process.
We know that families in East Gippsland have seen unspeakable devastation - their homes have been ravaged, their schools have been destroyed, and their communities have been scattered by evacuations.
In response, CatholicCare, in partnership with the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Diocese of Sale, will be reinstating our Bushfire Community Recovery Service to provide long-term support for the children, youth and families of East Gippsland.
To support this mission, today we are launching our Bushfire Recovery Appeal to fund the counselling, chaplaincy, and community development projects rolled out as part of this recovery service.
Our goal is to raise $2.5 million to fund the delivery of the Bushfire Community Recovery Service for three years.
What will the Bushfire Community Recovery Service provide?
Once the emergency crews have taken care of the community’s immediate needs, the children and families affected will continue to carry deep, long lasting emotional and spiritual scars.
Our challenge will be to ensure that the children and families of East Gippsland have access to the support and care they need, when they need it on their long journey to recovery.
The Bushfire Community Recovery Service is currently in development, but some services will be available for communities in the coming weeks.
Some of the services that will be provided over the next three years include:
- professional counsellors to deliver trauma-informed counselling to individuals and families.
- school counsellors in each of the Catholic primary and secondary schools within the East Gippsland region, to offer psychological support to students and teachers.
- community development projects to promote and solidify community connections and resilience.
- chaplains to offer spiritual support and pastoral care to those in need.
To learn more about the Bushfire Community Recovery Service or to find support for you and your family, visit our webpage or call 1800 522 076.
Why CatholicCare?
CatholicCare is skilled and experienced in supporting bushfire recovery.
Following the Black Saturday fires of 2009, CatholicCare established the Bushfire Community Recovery Service; a three-year effort to bring counselling, community rebuilding activities and pastoral care to the affected families of the Shire of Murrindindi.
“CatholicCare was the only organisation that came and asked the community what they wanted, then went about trying to meet that need even if it meant going beyond their core business.”
- Bill Gale, former chair, Community Representative Committee, Kinglake Ranges (June 2012)
CatholicCare has also been supporting Gippsland families since 2013 when we commenced management of the social service agency of the Diocese of Sale.
Our work is enhanced by 85 years of experience supporting families and communities in the Archdiocese of Melbourne.
How can I help?
By donating to the Bushfire Recovery Appeal, you will help to fund long-term counselling, chaplaincy, and community development projects in East Gippsland.
Help us to bring hope and healing to these devastated communities. Donate today!
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