Maribyrnong council has appointed three new members to the Maribyrnong Community Recovery Committee (CRC) and a new independent chair, following a recent review of the previous committee.
The CRC was established in April 2023 to provide advice to council on recovery issues, barriers and needs after the Maribyrnong River Flood in October 2022.
After eight months of operation, an independent review of the CRC was conducted, which found that the group should reopen the expression of interest process for new members, as well as the recommendation that the CRC appoint an independent chair.
In its meeting on Tuesday, May 21, council appointed Andrew Monteiro, Joel Butts and Mary Cameron to the committee, with Martina Holland as the independent chair.
Councillor Sarah Carter said one of the “great” things to come from the review period was the need for an independent chair.
“Recovery is obviously a very, very long process and the community is still hurting, they’re still living with a lot of trauma,” she said.
“As the days get shorter, and the weather gets cooler, there will be even more rain and there is a lot of concern in the community.
“And it has been deepened in more recent weeks with the release of the Melbourne Water report.”
Cr Carter said the independent chair will support the council in continuing the committee.
“We have seen the benefits of having an advisory committee, we learnt early on that the rate rebate was a really practical thing that council could do within its remit some relief to ratepayers affected by the floods,” she said.
“There have been a multitude of other things that have come out of those monthly meetings.
“Community days and gatherings and support for residents and that connection to other local providers and support services.”
Cr Anthony Tran said Martina Holland is an “outstanding” pick for council and the independent chair.
“Council is well aware of Martina’s record and her experience,” he said.
The new committee members and chair’s term will conclude June 2025.
Jennifer Pittorino
