We’ll always be there
Through bushfires, floods, storms and a global pandemic, Anglicare Victoria (AV) has responded with vital services and compassionate care, making sure no one is left behind.
“We are a ‘can-do’ organisation and we respond with practical, hands-on support,” says Sue Sealey, Deputy CEO.
In the face of natural disasters like the bushfires in Marysville (2009) and East Gippsland (2020) and the flooding in Mt Dandenong (2021), AV staff have provided immediate relief, a kind ear and ongoing support to help communities recover and rebuild.
Providing covid-safe care and support
When nine public housing towers in Kensington were suddenly locked down during the pandemic in June 2020, AV immediately responded to the call from the Andrews Government to provide critical support to over 200 families. Our teams orchestrated the safe delivery of culturally-appropriate food, information, and education packs to families under pressure.
“Within 24 hours we had 20 staff on the ground,” says Sue Sealey.
“There was a strong feeling of pride among our team in Anglicare Victoria as an organisation; for stepping outside of our usual role and doing this really lovely thing for these children and their families who were stuck in the towers.”
AV also opened Atrium Place, our inner-city property, to homeless young people so they could have a safe place to self-isolate and recover from the virus.
As we move into the future, AV will always be there with essential care when it’s needed most.
Bushfire recovery
When bushfires swept through East Gippsland, AV provided immediate relief and ongoing financial counselling to affected families. One couple AV supported had their farm destroyed, and lost access to running water. They waited eight weeks for a response to their insurance claim, before coming to AV in distress. AV’s financial counsellors had their claim elevated, and within six days water was restored to their property. Three weeks later they were approved for funds under bushfire reparations.
Storms in the Dandenong’s
When close to 174 families needed urgent assistance after storms ravaged Mount Dandenong in Melbourne’s outer East, AV was quick to respond. People’s houses and possessions were damaged, there was no electricity or internet, and the roads were blocked by fallen trees. AV’s recovery support team assisted with immediate food and essential relief, clothing and furniture, and financial counselling support to begin insurance claims. A year on, residents’ lives are returning to normal, AV marked a year since the storms by delivering wellness packs to those who were affected, and ran activities for the community to participate in together
