Around 200 people attended Council’s emergency relief centre at Stribling Reserve in Lorne on Thursday night.
Most attendees had evacuated from nearby caravan parks and were able to arrange to be picked up by friends or family or took up generous offers of overnight accommodation from the local community.
Around 40 people stayed overnight at the Lorne Surf Life Saving Club and a small number remained at the emergency relief centre.
The relief centre remains open until further notice to support people still in need of somewhere to go.
Mayor Libby Stapleton thanked emergency services and praised the response of locals.
“The local community was amazing yesterday and last night, rallying to support those in need,” Mayor Stapleton said.
“Lorne Surf Life Saving Club opened its doors to people needing shelter as did the Stribling Reserve community asset committee, which opened the pavilion for immediate shelter before it was officially activated as an emergency relief centre.
“We had the op shop and school donating blankets and clothes, the Sikh Community Greater Geelong arrived at the relief centre to serve meals, and Feed Me Surf Coast sent a van full of food.
“Many people in the community offered their help or made their homes available for people to stay in overnight – it’s been a great example of a local community pulling together at a time of need.”
The community is asked to note that further donations of food and clothes are not required at the emergency relief centre at this time.
Those wishing to donate clothes can do so at the Lorne op shop.
Council crews are out inspecting trees, roads and other infrastructure today and making temporary repairs as soon as it is safe to do so.
“Our priority is still the wellbeing and safety of everyone impacted,” Mayor Stapleton said.
“Please follow emergency advice about returning to affected areas and avoid flood waters today.
“Thank you again to emergency services, community members and volunteers for your continuing efforts.”
Lorne Emergency Relief Centre
Location: Stribling Reserve pavilion, 45 Otway Street, Lorne
Parking: available at the venue
Opening hours: the centre is open now and will remain open until further notice
Council has a dedicated webpage providing updates about Council’s emergency response to the incident: surfcoast.vic.gov.au/lorneflood.
The community is urged to stay informed via the VicEmergency app or website, and follow the emergency advice closely.