Researchers from Swinburne University have today released their evaluation report on a unique regional approach to recovery after the October 2022 floods. The report concludes that providing timely resources to local communities can have long-lasting, positive impacts.
The Goulburn Flood Recovery Service (GFRS) brought together seven independent service providers, who worked cooperatively across the five local government areas in the Goulburn Valley. Only weeks after the flood waters started to recede, plans to set up the service were well underway.
Read the official media release here.
Read the report here.
Building Resilience in the Face of Disaster: Goulburn River Floods 2022
In October 2022, Victoria faced one of its most devastating flood disasters on record. Communities along the Goulburn River were severely impacted, spanning five Local Government Areas (LGAs): Mitchell Shire Council, Greater Shepparton City Council, Strathbogie Shire Council, Murrindindi Shire Council, and Moira Shire Council.
Natural disasters often intensify existing systemic issues such as socioeconomic disadvantage, inequality and gendered violence. Understanding the profound and lasting effects of the floods on local children, young people and families, OzChild’s Shepparton team partnered with local agencies and services to implement a place-based, community-led response. The goal was to create a comprehensive support system for the region’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged members, including children and young people, as they navigated the aftermath of the disaster.
Drawing on our expertise in trauma-informed care, OzChild joined the Goulburn Flood Recovery Service (GFRS), a collaborative initiative bringing together local organisations to ensure effective, place-based disaster recovery. The GFRS provided outreach and relief support to those impacted by the floods, working on behalf of individuals and families to problem-solve issues and advocate to obtain services where people may find it difficult to access services.
GFRS partners included FamilyCare, Uniting Care, Nexus, Primary Care Connect, Connect GV, and The Bridge Youth Service. Additionally, the partnership engaged with Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV), the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH), and the five affected local councils to deliver a coordinated and holistic response for individuals and families impacted by the floods.
The GFRS partnership is a powerful example of how sector collaboration and community-driven initiatives, when guided by the expertise and deep knowledge of local organisations, can lead to better outcomes for children, young people, and families.
Despite the evidence, funding decisions too often prioritise managing immediate demand rather than investing in proven solutions that reduce pressure on systems over time. Dr Lisa J. Griffiths shares her thoughts during Child Protection Week.
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