Drop in to learn your number

By Emily Donohoe

Nov 12, 2024

Rochester SES volunteers Brooke Coghill (left) and Judith Gledhill and North Central Catchment Management Authority waterways and floodplain project manager Nathan Treloar are ready to answer questions from the community about the flood height magnets. Photos: Emily Donohoe Photo by Emily Donohoe

Rochester VICSES is encouraging community members to drop in and pick up their flood height magnets this week.

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Rochester SES unit and North Central Catchment Management Authority have developed a magnet for every property in town, identifying the water level it is predicted to receive when a minor, moderate or major flood occurs.

A total of 1600 individual magnets have been produced, one per Rochester property. Photo by Emily Donohoe

SES volunteers, North Central CMA staff and Campaspe Shire Council’s flood recovery team are stationed on the corner of Gillies and Moore streets in the former Commonwealth Bank branch.

Residents and business owners are urged to visit the site to collect their magnets, where they can learn more about the data and how to respond in emergencies.

The SES team is using the opportunity to remind the community to bag it, block it, lift it and leave during a flood or storm.

Rochester SES volunteer Judith Gledhill, North Central Catchment Management Authority waterways and floodplain project manager Nathan Treloar and Campaspe Shire Council flood recovery officer Marcus Overman. Photo by Emily Donohoe

Campaspe Shire Council is also running visitors through its First 72 Hours initiative, which asks residents to follow four steps: make an emergency plan, back up information, prepare a kit and staying informed.

To learn more about the First 72 Hours, head to campaspe.vic.gov.au/thefirst72hours

The SES local flood guide can be accessed at https://tinyurl.com/vicsesfloodguide

Rochester SES volunteer Judith Gledhill gives residents Anne and Jim Strate their magnet. Photo by Emily Donohoe

Residents can drop in on Tuesday, November 12, from 8am to 2pm; Wednesday, November 13, from 9am to 2pm; and Thursday, November 14, and Friday, November 15, from 2pm to 7pm.