This Monday, 9 June, marks four-years since the destructive storm that devastated parts of the Dandenong Ranges, including the home of Kalorama resident, Natalie Guest.
In the wake of that harrowing night, Ms Guest’s family lost everything – their house, their sense of security, and their community. What followed was a prolonged battle to rebuild their lives, one fraught with red tape, bureaucratic hurdles, and heartbreaking setbacks.
For Ms Guest, the journey towards rebuilding her home was not just about construction but about navigating a complex system of insurance claims, council regulations, and environmental overlays, all while grappling with the emotional toll of losing the place she had once called home.
“Once the storm hit, it felt like everything was just ripped away. Not only did we lose our home, but we had to face a never-ending battle with insurance companies, banks, and councils,” Ms Guest said.
“But the hardest part was seeing our home disappear before our eyes. It felt like it was all slipping away, and there was nothing we could do about it.”
For a long time, it seemed like the approval to rebuild was a distant hope.
“We were living in limbo for years,” she said.
“It was almost surreal. My husband couldn’t even drive past the block for a long time. He couldn’t bring himself to see it. It was just too painful.”
While her husband struggled to come to terms with the loss, Ms Guest threw herself into the fight.
“It became my fight every day,” she said.
“I knew I had to keep pushing, or we’d lose everything. I spent countless hours with architects, builders, and council officials, making sure the process moved forward.”
The road to approval was long and often discouraging. Between dealing with the stress of insurance claims, managing the financial complexities, and tackling the bureaucratic maze of council overlays and planning permissions, there were moments when it seemed like it would never end.
“I kept thinking, ‘Is this really happening? Are we ever going to get back into our home?’” she said.
For Ms Guest, the real turning point came when the first physical signs of the rebuild began.
“When the pylons for the stilts went into the ground, that’s when it felt real,” she said.
“It was the first time in years that I saw something happening on the land again. Seeing the holes being drilled – it was surreal, but it was also the beginning of something. It felt like we were finally moving forward.”
But even after the green light for construction, the challenges didn’t stop.
“The electricity company, the banks…it was like everyone had forgotten about us,” Ms Guest said.
“We were living in a brand-new house, but still without electricity for weeks and no internet until March this year. It’s just been one thing after another.”
Despite these setbacks, Ms Guest has remained resolute.
“It’s been a hard four years, but we’ve made it. We’re still here, and we’re rebuilding our lives. The community has been a huge support, and we’ve kept fighting because we love this place. We love the street. We love the people. We love where we live,” she said.
Now that construction is underway, Ms Guest is finally starting to find some peace.
“The garden is where I heal. We’ve been moving plants around for years, trying to keep them safe. Now we’re finally putting them back in the earth,” she said.
“It’s amazing to see everything start to come together again. It’s a completely different space, but it’s our space, and it feels so rewarding.”
As the four-year milestone since the storm looms, Ms Guest has a message for those still battling to rebuild, many of whom remain displaced and uncertain about what lies ahead.
“Keep your chin up, lean into each other, and never be afraid to ask for help,” she said.
“If I can help anyone with advice or support, I’m always happy to chat. The stormtroopers, the community here have had each other’s backs through this whole process, and we’ll continue to do so.”
The storm that took so much from Kalorama has also brought out the best in its residents. From neighbours supporting each other to shared knowledge and resources, the community has remained a lifeline for many, even as the bureaucratic battles continue.
Ms Guest’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a deep love for the place she calls home. Though the scars of that night are still fresh, she and her family are now on the path to healing, a path that has been long and challenging but ultimately rewarding.
