Vic Floods 2022: Rochester residents ‘resilient’ in face of disaster recovery

Flood victims in one of the state’s worst-hit areas have been dealt another blow as they attempt to rebuild their lives one month after the devastation.

Shayne Walkley inside his Rochester cafe during October’s flood emergency. Picture: Jason Edwards

Heartless thieves are targeting flood victims in one of the state’s worst-hit areas, breaking into homes and a food bank as residents struggle to recover one month on from the emergency.

Rochester resident Scott Chapman told the Herald Sun a food bank where he volunteered was broken into by desperate criminals.

Homes in the area had also been raided while occupants were out.

“People broke into the volunteer centre, how low can you get? There was a small bit of food taken but pretty much all the bloody shampoo, conditioner and body wash were gone,” he said.

Scott Chapman inside his Rochester home of 10 years. Picture: Jason Edwards

“If they needed help they could have just come to us and we would try our best. Please don’t stoop to the level of stealing from us.

Mr Chapman said a number of thieves had been caught trying to make off with flood victims’ belongings – many of which were already water-damaged.

He is also waiting to hear from his landlord whether the home he has privately rented for ten years will be liveable.

“It’s likely they don’t have insurance or the money to fix it up. They kindly said I’m more than welcome to leave the keys here and go if I don’t feel safe here,” Mr Chapman said.

“I’m doing a lot better now that I’ve spoken to them. It’s been tough mentally but I feel a little better now that I know where I sort of stand.”

Water surrounds Peter Ward’s home during the October floods in Rochester. Picture: Jason Edwards

Peter Ward is finally back living in his home of almost 30 years: “I’m all right. We were one of the lucky ones,” he said.

“There’s a lot of people who have it a lot of worse.

“There’s no plaster and we’re living with concrete floors. It’s not what it was.”

Mr Ward is taking part in a wider clean-up effort led by members of the public: “We’re a pretty little resilient town. We’re trying to get on with our lives.”

Images supplied to the Herald Sun show flood-damaged white goods lining the streets as mass amounts of rubbish pile up.

Leigh Milgates, aged in his 70s, is optimistic the community will eventually return to its former glory.

“The community is upbeat but we’re certainly not jumping over the moon,” he said.

“Our house has been completely pulled to pieces, we are waiting for it to dry out, basically — then we’ll wait for the rebuild to begin.”

Rochester local Barry, 82, works to protect his house during October’s floods. Picture: Jason Edwards

Leigh Milgates house copped the brunt of the high waters on his corner block. Picture: Jason Edwards

Ian Moore, 73, wades through knee-deep in Rochester. Picture: Jason Edwards

He was forced to flee to his daughter’s property during the emergency but has fortunately found temporary accommodation at a friend’s farmhouse 8km from town.

“We lost a few belongings, but we’re healthy,” he said.

“We’re struggling in a way because everything’s been destroyed.

“We built that in 1974, so it’s pretty close to our hearts.

“The town looks like a Third World country, I think. A lot of houses are basically empty and 90 per cent need rebuilding. People are living in caravans,” Mr Milgates said.

Mr Milgates said he was “disappointed” with the state government’s response and its subsequent emergency relief packages.

“The governments could have done an awful lot more. Even now, they should stand up and help a little bit more.”