Cade Lucas
Based on feedback from residents following the 2022 Maribyrnong River floods, Maribyrnong council and GenWest have developed a resource to help people deal with insurance companies after a future flood event.
The Flood Insurance Guide: A Maribyrnong Community Initiative includes clear, accessible information on how and why to take out insurance, how to make a claim and the complaint process.
More than 500 homes were inundated by the October 2022 floods and two and a half years on, many residents are still unable to return to their homes due to issues with their insurers.
Insurance was one of the top priorities identified by the Community Recovery Committee (CRC) that was established in the wake of the flood to provide guidance and support to council to help address issues that hindered the recovery.
Developed as a result of the CRC, the flood guide is available in Vietnamese as well as English and features content from legal, financial and recovery experts, along with tips for mental health and wellbeing during the aftermath of a flood.
Maribyrnong mayor, Pradeep Tiwari, said the guide was a practical, thoughtful resource for residents at risk of flood events in Maribyrnong, and Australia more broadly.
“I am confident this step-by-step guide will benefit those wanting to understand how to protect their assets with easy to understand information from experts, along with valuable insights from community members who have lived experience,” Cr Tiwari said.
“We are also grateful for the contributions of the broader Maribyrnong community in its development.”
Chief executive of GenWest, a non-profit family violence support service based in Footscray, Dale Wakefield, said the guide exemplified strong community and agency partnership.
“GenWest facilitated safe spaces for affected communities to share their insurance experiences, and partner agencies generously contributed expert knowledge and resources,” said Ms Wakefield.
“We are deeply grateful for this collaborative effort, and hope it will support people navigate the insurance process with greater ease,” she continued.
To download a copy of the Flood Insurance Guide, visit: www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Residents/Emergency-Management/Maribyrnong-Flood-Recovery/Maribyrnong-Insurance-Project
