As you will all be acutely aware, Victoria is experiencing a bushfire emergency, the size of which is unprecedented. Late last night Premier Andrews declared a State of Disaster for 6 Local Government Areas and the Alpine resorts. Conditions are expected to worsen dramatically over the next 24 hours.
A number of our staff and in-home care clients have been impacted requiring relocation, and our thoughts are with them as they make decisions for the safety of themselves, their families and their communities.
Uniting AgeWell continues to respond to what is an unfolding situation.
Our team is working around the clock to ensure client safety and support, including movement to safe accommodation, safe passage through fire grounds, arranging ongoing support and care, including for those who have been relocated to Melbourne, and other locations.
Daily welfare checks are being undertaken to all clients affected, we are monitoring the changing conditions and proactively contacting clients who may be in impacted in coming days.
We recognise there is high temperatures predicted over the next 24 hours and air quality challenges across Victoria and Tasmania that will likely last some time, and our home care teams across both states will continue to undertake regular checks on vulnerable clients.
Our teams on the ground are doing an extraordinary job, for every single client. The broader organisation is ready to support them in whatever way is required.
We encourage everyone to download the Vic Emergency Ap to your mobile phone, set watch zones appropriate to your situation, enable notifications and adhere to advice issued by authorities.
Many people are asking what they can personally do to provide support the immediate response and recovery, particularly when relief centres are reporting overflow. Monetary donations can be directed to the Salvation Army or Australian Red Cross.
To everyone, stay safe.
Media inquiries: Marketing and Communications Manager, Natalie Dillon
T: 9276 5702
M: 0437 822 594