The Upper Murray community came together on Sunday to mark the closure of the Upper Murray Recovery Hub and to celebrate the strength of its people.

Located at the former junior school campus in Corryong the hub has played a significant role in responding to the recovery and the building of community strength after the 2019-20 Black Summer Bushfires.

“Five years on, we want to acknowledge the incredible resilience of the community in partnering with council and state and federal governments to achieve some amazing initiatives,” said Towong Shire mayor, Cr Andrew Whitehead.

“The hub has been a beacon of courage and support since the devastating bushfires of late 2019 and early 2020. It’s played a crucial role in our community’s recovery by offering everything from counselling and financial advice to employment support, business development and community organisation meetings.

“This would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the recovery team, residents, volunteers and the financial support of governments and philanthropic organisations.”

Sunday’s event saw an impressive turnout of community members and stakeholders, all eager to celebrate the recovery journey. Highlights included delicious finger food from Café Corryong Brew, enchanting performances by Per Westman and the Fruit Fly Circus, live music by local talents Paige Heinjus and Mountain Alliance, creative face painting by the Corryong Youth Group and inspiring speeches from dignitaries.

“This event marks a transition in council support for the community impacted by these fires,” Cr Whitehead said.

“Although council will no longer operate a recovery hub, we will continue to provide referral support to people as they need it via our Community Development Team.

“Council acknowledges that the recovery journey is a long and ongoing process and individuals will require different support at various phases in their recovery.”

Highlights of the recovery journey have been compiled into a video that was displayed on the day and a Celebration of Recovery book is available online via the council website at www.towong.vic.gov.au.

The book will also be available to browse through at the Tallangatta Library, Tallangatta Neighbourhood House, Corryong Neighbourhood Centre, Corryong Library, and Corryong Visitor Information Centre.

To obtain a hard copy of the book contact the council on 1300 365 222 or email info@towong.vic.gov.au by August 9, 2024.

This article appeared in the  Corryong Courier, 1 August 2024.