Drop-in centres still open for residents affected by storm 

The drop-in centres are located at  

• Hills Hub, Emerald - corner of Belgrave-Gembrook and Beaconsfield-Emerald Roads. The Emerald Library, which is located next door to the Hills Hub, is also open for community use. 
• Cockatoo Community Complex - 79 Pakenham Road  

The centres feature space for residents to warm up, charge their phones and grab a tea or coffee.  

Also available: 

• Hot showers 
• Drinking water pumping station (Hills Hub) 
• Support information  
• Waste disposal  

The centres are run by Council team members and local volunteers.  

All are welcome to drop in, ask questions and seek support. COVID-safe measures are in place.  

Cardinia Shire Mayor Brett Owen and Ranges Ward Councillor Jeff Springfield both recently visited centres to speak to directly affected residents and support volunteers. 

Cardinia Shire Mayor, Councillor Brett Owen said: 

“It has been a challenging time for many of our residents in Cardinia Shire after the ferocious storm and the resultant and extensive power outages.  

“That’s why we quickly opened up community drop-in centres, and continue to operate our centres to offer vital support such as power and showers for affected residents. 

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in the efforts so far – our community members, emergency services agencies, and our own council crews.” 

Ranges Ward Councillor, Jeff Springfield said: 

“As a local resident, I saw first hand how significant this storm event was for our local communities.  

“So many I have spoken to in my local area have said this was a storm like they have not experienced before, and power outages from the event are still affecting many. 

“We’ll continue to support our community and again thank everyone involved in the support and clean up activities so far.” 

More info:  www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/storminformation