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Lilydale relief centre pivots to information only after weekend

Yarra Ranges Council has advised the community that the Emergency Relief Centre (ERC) opened at the Lilydale Highschool basketball stadium is now closed.

Originally opened to support to those affected by the Longwood fires on 9 January, the stadium is scheduled to open as an Information Centre on Monday 12 January, from 9am-4.30pm, until required and will be staffed by Yarra Ranges Council and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.

The centre Cars, some towing trailers of items, vans, people and their animals were continuing to flow into the Lilydale High School stadium car park at 6.40pm on Friday 9 January.

The centre was providing basic relief with tea and coffee facilities, beds, a kids area and animal housing last week, with support services from Yarra Ranges Council, The Salvation Army emergency relief team and Animal Aid were onsite to direct and help.

For people with larger camper vans, trailers or caravans, the Lilydale Recreation Reserve was open and able to accommodate the vehicles.

Yarra Ranges Council is now also advising members of the community wanting to donate to those in need, to please visit the GIVIT Appeals website.

For the latest emergency updates please download the VicEmergency app and follow the CFA on Facebook.

Relief assistance is available for eligible people impacted by the Longford fire. For more information please visit the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing website.

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