DRA heads to Rochester for three weeks

By Michael Lloyd

Feb 26, 2024

Fantastic: GRA field operations general manager Chris Perrin, Rochester Neighbourhood House’s Amanda Logie and DRA Victorian manager Zac Hayden will co-ordinate the recovery effort in Rochester for the next three weeks. Photo by Supplied

Disaster Relief Australia will come to Rochester this week to aid the recovery of the town’s residents.

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The organisation, founded in 2016, can be deployed nationwide to help recover after floods, fires and cyclones.

DRA field operations general manager Chris Perrin will oversee the operation as volunteers spend the next three weeks assisting Rochester residents.

“We will be there in Rochester to help people with the removal of damaged items and make minor repairs to homes, repairs that don’t need a trade-qualified person to make the repairs,” Mr Perrin said.

“Every week, we will have 25 volunteers from around Australia to help residents make their homes liveable.”

DRA also worked in Echuca and Rochester after the October 2022 floods, when it helped residents of both towns for eight weeks.

National Australia Bank is also a major sponsor of the veteran lead organisation deployed to disaster zones for various recovery efforts, Mr Perrin said.

“The NAB will also have volunteers who will provide a day of volunteering to aid homeowners,” he said.

If Rochester residents would like additional help with their homes, they should phone Rochester Community House on 5484 3600 or visit it at 43 Mackay St and a request will be placed with the team at DRA.

By Michael Lloyd