Current emergencies and support

Hosted by Dr Rob Gordon, clinical psychologist and expert in mental health and supporting people affected by storm and bushfires, these webinars were filmed in mid-2022 and cover topics about what to expect at this time as well as some coping strategies to assist with recovery.

• The first year of disaster recovery
• Trauma, loss and stress: Disruption in storm affected communities.
• Helping your children recover from a very unusual, and traumatic event.
• Effective tips for people who find themselves being in the position of an accidental/informal counsellor.

View the video resources here.

Montrose Bushfire Community Meeting

7pm, Monday 24 March

Montrose Town Centre/Library, 935 Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Montrose

(Will also be livestreamed from the Montrose CFA Facebook page)

VicTraffic Montrose intersection celebration event

Saturday 22 March

11am-3pm

Montrose Town Centre Reserve

While this event was set up to celebrate the completion of the Montrose intersection, the Montrose Township Group will also be at the historical cottage for a cuppa, a treat and some quiet contemplation or a gentle chat. The Eastern Community Legal Centre will also be available to provide info for residents on insurance and other legal matters.

Community members were invited to attend the meeting regarding the Montrose Bushfire.

You can view the full livestream recording on Montrose Township Group's Facebook page

There may be traffic delays in the area. Please expect delays or seek an alternative route

Roads that are impacted:

• Stradbroke Road
• Sheffield Road

Please stay informed on impacted roads and closures by visiting the VicTraffic website who will give the most up to date information.

Visit EPA AirWatch | Environment Protection Authority Victoria to monitor for air quality.

Most healthy people tolerate brief smoke exposure quite well. But some people are more sensitive to smoke than others, including: 

• people with asthma or other lung conditions
• people with heart and blood vessel disease like angina, heart failure and stroke
• people with diabetes
• pregnant women 
• babies and young children
• older people. 

If you are in one of the categories above, it is important to manage your health and reduce your exposure to the smoke as much as possible. 

Anyone may experience the following symptoms as a result of smoke exposure:

• eye, nose and throat irritation
• coughing
• sneezing
• congestion.

However, those more sensitive to smoke may experience worsening of existing health conditions. Smoke can for example:

• trigger asthma
• worsen heart disease.

In addition, smoke may be a risk because of reduced visibility and road safety. 

If you are dealing with an emergency of another kind, many organisations in the Yarra Ranges are dedicated to providing support to people when needed. Find local providers of services, including mental health support, material and financial assistance, food relief and housing and homelessness support.

Emergencies can occur at any time. View information on what you can do before, during, or after an emergency.

If you live in a bushfire-affected area your drinking water tank could have become contaminated from debris, ash, dead animals or aerial fire retardants.

If the water tastes, looks or smells unusual, do not drink it or give it to animals.

Water from a river or creek should never be used for drinking or preparing food unless it has been properly treated.

Water drawn from deep bores or wells should be safe to use.

Please download: After a fire: private drinking water and water tank safety(PDF, 125KB)