By Tyler Wright
Staff at Mount Dandenong Preschool are still waiting for the reopening of their old site as the structure remains unrepaired almost 12 months after the June storm that deemed the building inaccessible.
After the property on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road was condemned because of the damage to the structure from the tree and asbestos, staff and children have been based at Olinda Primary School and said they have not been made aware of a clear path forward.
Staff said while the back of the building was damaged after the storms, the front of the premises was still accessible but they were not able to salvage materials – and the community is still in the process of grieving one year on.
“I’m almost angry that it’s [still] in that space,” Yarra Ranges Kinders Senior Operation Manager Marta Pegoiani said.
“There’s no way that we can forget it, I still see tarp and trees on the road when I drive past.”
Catherine Yeaman, Victoria Clarke and Jo Dixon, early childhood Teacher and Educators at Mount Dandenong Preschool, are witnessing first hand the impact the aftermath of the storms had on the children who attend their kindergarten.
“We just want our kindergarten to be rebuilt…to build a sense of community,” VIctoria said.
The educators said they have been reminding locals they are still operating, albeit out of a different premises – but people were not aware of this.
“The belonging is in [the] relationships, and that’s really the essence of the kindergarten,” Catherine said.
CEO of Yarra Ranges Kinders, Gaby Thomson, said the Mount Dandenong Preschool’s current site at Olinda Primary School is only temporary, but does not know how long the staff and children will remain there.
“Even if it was cleared away, they could start to feel like they could start again; and they worry about the impacts on the kids,” Gaby said.
Yarra Ranges Council said in one night, 177 properties were damaged, 76 of which have been deemed uninhabitable. Tens of thousands of trees fell, blocking roads and bringing down telephone and power lines leaving thousands without heating and phone or internet connection for weeks.
“We’re grateful for all the funds received to date that have supported our community which so far has
been almost $14 million. We know this is going to take five years at least for our communities to rebuild – not just the 12 months we have been funded for,” Mayor Councillor Jim Child said.
373 hectares of the Dandenong Ranges were impacted with fallen trees last June.
Residents who have experienced trauma, damage or loss as a result of the June storm are also able to discuss their circumstances with the Victorian Storm Recovery Support Program that is coordinated by Windermere by contacting 0408 521 320.
Residents can also contact Council’s Community Recovery Team on 0477 056 265 for advice or connection to a range of support services.
