The team is growing but more volunteers are needed to cover the Ararat region.

In emergency events, local shires are responsible for setting up emergency relief centres. Grampians Community Health provides social support and recovery assistance for the centres.

“We are now seeking up to 10 volunteers living in or near Ararat, Elmhurst, Lake Bolac, Streatham and Willaura,” Grampians Community Health project officer Talia Blythman said.

“They will receive valuable training and support.”

Volunteers who have already signed up received initial training in Stawell last week.

The volunteers are now ready to step in if required.

“A number of the volunteers did not know what to expect when they signed up, but they came away from the training feeling comfortable about the role,” Ms Blythman said. 

“The volunteers said the training exceeded their expectations, was very well planned and that they were supplied with plenty of useful written information that they could read at home.”

Training was held over two evenings and topics included the role of volunteers, the role of relief centres, first-hand experience of supporting people in an emergency situation, mental health and wellbeing and communication skills.

Participants also talked about different scenarios and how to deal with them.