Flood relief centre opens in Murray Bridge

Locals whose properties have been affected by the River Murray floods can seek help at the Rambler Football Club seven days a week.

Flood relief centre opens in Murray Bridge
Chaplains Karen Norman and Gus Slotegraaf are ready to help anyone affected by the floods, along with Red Cross volunteers and state government personnel. Photo: Peri Strathearn.

A relief centre has opened in Murray Bridge as the River Murray floods peak.

The centre, in the Rambler football clubrooms at Le Messurier Oval, will be open from 9am-5pm, seven days per week until the floodwaters recede.

Go there to access:

  • Personal hardship grants of up to $400 per person or $1000 per family
  • Emergency accommodation
  • Counselling
  • Food relief
  • Grants and other support available to primary producers
  • Financial planning
  • Legal services
Wayne Thorley, Adrian Pederick and Nat Cook visit the Murray Bridge flood relief centre on Wednesday, ahead of its opening. Photo: Nat Cook/Facebook.

State Human Services Minister Nat Cook encouraged people to organise their own temporary accommodation if possible, but to visit the centre for whatever they needed.

“The concerns of our river communities are shared by the Malinauskas (state) government,” Ms Cook said.

“We are, of course, ready to help those who need it.”

Opposition MP Adrian Pederick welcomed the centre’s opening, and hoped it would improve outcomes for people affected by the flood.

“The roll-out of the first support package saw many people fall through the cracks and we don’t want to see this happen a second time around,” he said.

“I welcome the extra financial support, but the most important thing is to make sure the roll-out of this support is targeted and effective.

“With peak flows starting to flow through communities lower down the river, it’s crucial that those impacted are able to access support easily and quickly.”

Two other relief centres, at Mannum and Berri, have so far helped more than 1600 people this summer.

More than 270 personal hardship grants have been given out, 60 people have received help paying for accommodation and 30 have got extra cash to help pay rent.


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