The VCC was first brought into disaster recovery work under DISPLAN in 1978 following an approach by the Rev. John Hill regarding the provision of counseling and support services to disaster affected people. As a result, the Victorian Council of Churches was asked to chair the counseling sub committee of the Displan Welfare Plan. This committee later evolved to become The Personal Services and Counselling Sub Committee, after the 1983 bushfires, the Community Recovery Committee.” (Smale, S; VCC 1995)
The Department of Human Services has contracted the VCC to provide outreach, psychological first aid, personal support and emotional spiritual care. The Community Chaplaincy arrangement was initiated in preparation for the 2006 Commonwealth Games with a view to continuing as an element within the State Emergency Recovery Plan (SERP).
The VCC is identified in the Emergency Management Manual of Victoria (EMMV). See ‘About Us’ for further information.
The VCC has responded to numerous State Disasters including the Ash Wednesday bushfires in 1983, Gippsland Floods, North East Floods in 1993, Mildura’s Cardross Accident in 2006, Kerang Train Crash in 2007, Melbourne Airport Incidents, Burnley Tunnel Accident and Black Saturday Bushfires in 2009 and floods in 2010/2011.
Increased representation in Government policy!! In 2011, the VCC Emergencies Ministry program took part in the review of the Emergency Relief handbook. The successful negotiation of the inclusion of Emotional Spiritual Care (ESC) into the Victorian Relief and Recovery arrangements occurred. … Continue reading
PEOPLE WHO NEED HELP LEAVING A BUSHFIRE AREA EARLY. All Victorians should be prepared and ready to act if bushfire threatens. But for some, leaving early is the only option – especially for some older or frail people, people with … Continue reading