Thursday, 9 June 2022

Severe weather event

Ms BURNETT-WAKE (Eastern Victoria) (10:25): Today marks one year since the horrific storm that devastated the Yarra Ranges on 9 June 2021. The sheer strength of this storm is difficult to put into words. The storm passed overnight, but it left a trail of damage that continues to be felt by my constituents in our communities in the Dandenongs. These people woke in the darkness to find their neighbours had fled, their homes were flattened, houses were lost, cars were crushed and fallen mountain ash trees left many trapped in their homes for days on end. Selfless SES crews worked their busiest nights on record, aided by the local CFA and emergency crews from other parts of Melbourne. But this storm did not break the Yarra Ranges; it pulled the community together. I remember vividly the acts of the community that began the minute people woke on 9 June. Neighbours banded together to bring warmth, share food and open their homes to those who had lost everything. Local businesses forgot all about profit and instead fed members of the community for weeks on end. There was even a man who moved his washing machine out onto his front lawn and connected it up so those left homeless or without power could wash their clothes. While buildings collapsed and many suffered, the heart and compassion of the community held strong. Yarra Ranges council and many community groups have organised an itinerary of storm anniversary events, and I was fortunate to attend one of these last Sunday. I commend the community on its ongoing strength as it continues to recover and rebuild, one year on.