Victorian Council of Churches Emergencies Ministry

Newsletter May 2012

stuart — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:04:05 +0000

VCC Emergencies Ministry works hard to support flood affected individuals and communities in North East Victoria.

See full version by clicking: Newsletter May 2012 (920kb)

Outreach Volunteers required

stuart — Tue, 01 May 2012 08:56:49 +0000

The VCC EM is beginning outreach activities in partnership with the Moira Shire in the coming weeks. To date, VCC EM volunteers have door knocked over 800 homes affected by the floods in March this year.

Outreach will occur regularly for the coming months until such time as all affected people requiring support have been contacted.

Please sign up for outreach by contacting Martin West at the VCC Office on 9650 4511 or by email at mwest@vcc.org.au.

ABC Radio interview on Emergencies Ministry

stuart — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:08:56 +0000

Assistant State Manager, Craig Campbell speaks about Emergencies Ministry Chaplaincy with John Cleary and a panel of experts.

Link: Changing face of Chaplaincy

Easter a time to Reflect

stuart — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 08:21:07 +0000

Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter. It is a time to reflect on the life and death of Christ. Isaiah 43:2 says “When you walk through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God….” (NIV)

We are reminded that in the Christian tradition, its through Christ that we are able to serve and support our communities when there are floods, fires or any other natural disaster.

Volunteers required to support flood affected Victoria

stuart — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 01:20:39 +0000

Victoria is again in the grips of a flood crisis in northern Victoria. The VCC EM has responded from day one, with almost 200 volunteer days to date and more than 2100 affected people supported. Do you believe it is the church’s responsibility to help our neighbour when they are in time of crisis? If you think you can help by providing Personal Support. Contact the VCC office on 9650 4511. Training and accreditation is required prior to being deployed. Victoria needs your support NOW!!!

If you cannot volunteer but would like to support this ministry, you can always DONATE money to help the VCC EM pay for equipment. If you can donate, please go to the Donate button on this webpage or send cheques to VCC Emergencies Ministry, Level 4, 306 Little Collins Street, Melbourne 3000. All donations welcome. (Unfortunately we are not yet able to provide a tax deduction for this donation).

Newsletter February 2012

stuart — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 23:07:37 +0000

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. This is the first time in Victorian Disaster Management history that this has been defined in Government policy.

To view full version of Newsletter: February 2012 (879kb)

Making Victoria Fire Ready:

stuart — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:02:43 +0000

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 a physical disability, or those who have problems thinking clearly or acting quickly in a stressful situation.

People who need help leaving early: Factsheet

To read factsheet click here: People who need help leaving early_factsheet (382Kb)

CFA Bushfire Survival Plan

Click the link below to be taken to CFA page containing plan:

http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/firesafety/bushfire/survival-plan/support.htm?utm_source=vic-council-churches&utm_medium=web-tile&utm_campaign=red-cross-plan

3rd Anniversary, Black Saturday Fires

stuart — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:01:25 +0000

Communities across Victoria will mark the 3rd anniversary of the Black Saturday fires this weekend. Many communities will hold gatherings, services and events to stop, reflect and support each other at this time.

Please see your local community paper for details of events being held across the State.

The thoughts and prayers of the VCC Emergencies Ministry are with each individual and community at this time.

First Anniversary Victorian Flood Crisis

stuart — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:40:33 +0000

On the 14th January 2011, Victoria experienced its second flood crisis in four months. These floods extended across the north and west eventually covering more than 25% of the State.

The VCC EM supported more than 34 townships, 4 DHS regions, and more than 13 municipalities over nine months of Outreach visitation. The VCC EM made contact with more than 5400 affected individuals.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all who experienced the devastating floods and who are still trying to put their lives back together again.

Increased representation in Government Policy

stuart — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 23:29:16 +0000

The Emergency Management Manual of Victoria (EMMV) Part 4 includes the VCC Emergencies Ministry (VCC EM). This manual is the State Government policy on Disaster Management. As part of a review of the EMMV in 2011, the role description for the VCC EM was adjusted and now more accurately reflects the work of the program.

The Victorian Emergency Relief Handbook was also been reviewed in 2011. Again, the VCC EM was asked to have input into this process adding Emotional Spiritual Care to the document. For the first time in Victorian Disaster Management history, Emotional Spiritual Care has been defned in Government policy and the VCC EM were instrumental in making this happen. This ensures the ongoing great work of the faith community in supporting disaster and trauma affected people in Victoria.