Warning: The content on this page discusses floods, storms, fires and other emergencies.
This may be distressing for some individuals.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the emotional effects of these events, please see our Mental health and wellbeing support page.
Stories from those with lived experience
Listening to and understanding the experiences of communities and individuals before, during and after emergencies provides valuable insights that help us learn, improve and plan for future events.
This section showcases stories of resilient recovery and the importance of working with communities to build collective strength. It includes community members who have faced disasters and those who support the recovery process.
By learning from these experiences, we can strengthen our support and plan for community-led recovery.
Planning for major emergencies
Aireys Inlet exercises bushfire preparedness
Local and regional agencies gather to simulate a bushfire scenario and test relief strategies in the event of a major emergency along the Great Ocean Road.
Recovery after the October 2022 Victorian floods
Echuca's youngest building their own recovery
When Emergency Recovery Victoria decommissioned its operational hub, local school kids from Echuca Primary School jumped at the chance to recycle whatever they could cart away as part of their Hands on Learning program.
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage assessment protects sites of significance
At a flood-damaged home in Kialla, on Yorta Yorta country, potential sites of significant Aboriginal cultural heritage are being protected.
Aspen Lodge Caravan Park
A case study about how Emergency Recovery Victoria's Clean-up Program worked with the park owners to help rebuild the park following the October 2022 Victorian floods.
Recovery after the June 2021 flood and storm
Barwon’s root balls – nature’s fish hotels
After the June 2021 Victorian floods and storms, storm damaged root balls found a new purpose – helping rehabilitate fish populations in rivers in Victoria.
Rebuilding after the storm
A case study about rebuilding after the June 2021 flood and storm. Michael and Marilyn's story
Supporting recovery after the storm
Shane and Diana, managers of the Lake Jubilee Holiday Park talking to our film crew about their experience during the June 2021 Flood and Storm.
Transforming green waste into usable timber products at Romsey
Transforming green waste into usable timber products at Romsey: a case study
Rescued root balls breathing life into community fishing ponds
The re-imagination of a disused water treatment plant and 2 ponds has resulted in a new haven for both fish and fishing enthusiasts, thanks to rescued root balls.
Recovery after 2019-20 Eastern Victoria bushfires
'Fire for Food' place-based training fosters healing on Country
The Black Duck Foods program harnesses the expertise of Aboriginal people in East Gippsland to teach about food production using traditional fire and land management practices.
Snap-happy children lead healing for the Sarsfield community
An uplifting photography project has helped the children of Sarsfield recover after the 2019-20 Eastern Victoria bushfires.
Yackandandah powers up for a resilient future
This 2-year initiative is aimed at ensuring Yackandandah's energy preparedness for sustained outages and emergencies. Funded by Emergency Recovery Victoria, Totally Renewable Yackandandah (TRY) has collaborated with emergency service providers and the community to enhance the town's resilience.
Mallacoota residents surfing the waves of recovery
Reclink Australia has been helping Mallacoota residents re-engage with their environment following the 2019– 2020 Eastern Victorian bushfires.
Building pride and resilience in Victoria's north-east
LINE Wangaratta Pride Hub is part of the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE) REJUVENATE program. The program, designed to develop local leadership and accelerate rural entrepreneurship, received grant funding from Emergency Recovery Victoria after the 2019–20 Eastern Victoria bushfires.
Mallacoota Gun Club shooting for recovery
How the Mallacoota Gun Club focused on community-driven fire recovery efforts to plant trees, restore nature and support wildlife after the 2019-20 Eastern Victorian bushfires.
Rebuilding after the Black Summer bushfires
Rebuilding after the Black Summer bushfires, a case study featuring Milusa and Kevin Giles from Sarsfield.
Rebuilding after the fires
A case study of the Kinniburgh family who rebuilt their home after it was destroyed by 2019-20 bushfires
Aboriginal Culture and Healing
Emergency Recovery Victoria is committed to support and embed Aboriginal self-determination in its practices when working with Aboriginal Victorians.
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