The Hon. Lily D'Ambrosio, Minister for Climate Action, Energy and Resources, and the State Electricity Commission, visited Moira Shire this week to witness firsthand the devastation and ongoing recovery efforts following the catastrophic fire on Friday 9 January.
The Minister met with Moira Shire Council Chair Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson PSM, Administrator Susan Benedyka, CEO Matthew Morgan, and Municipal Recovery Manager Scott Williams, who provided a briefing on the fire’s impact and current recovery operations.
"We appreciated the Minister taking the time to visit our community following Friday's catastrophic fire,” said Dr Emonson.
“With 12 homes having been lost and countless other properties damaged, this disaster has touched every corner of our community. Our thoughts remain with all those who have suffered losses.”
"Minister D'Ambrosio was able to see both the devastating physical impact of the fire and the incredible community spirit that has emerged in response.”
“The generosity of our residents continues to be amazing, with people offering donations of food, money and household essentials to help their neighbours."
Acknowledging the remarkable community response, Minister D'Ambrosio visited Cobram Community House, which rapidly transformed into a central coordination hub for donations after receiving an overwhelming number of support offers.
The facility continues to manage the distribution of essential household items, clothing, bedding, toiletries, personal care products, and various services and vouchers to assist fire-affected residents over the coming weeks.
Minister D'Ambrosio also visited Moira FoodShare, which is the hub for food donations. Moira FoodShare has also launched a monetary fundraising appeal to support recovery efforts.
The Minister’s visit included the Moira Recovery Information Centre, located at 3/29 Station Street, Cobram, established as a location where affected community members can easily access information and support services. Multiple agencies are co-located at the centre, including Moira Shire Council, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, VCC Emergency Ministries, Red Cross and Salvation Army, streamlining support for fire-affected residents.