One year on from Mirboo North storms

Devastating storms struck Mirboo North this time last year, and the emotional and physical recovery is still continuing for the town.

One year since devastating storms struck swathes of Victoria, and the recovery is ongoing for one small township hit hard by wild winds.

Mirboo North, in South Gippsland, was struck by storm conditions on February 13 2024, causing severe damage to bushland and properties and leaving hundreds of homes without power for days.

According to Forest Fire Management Victoria, more than 760ha of land was hit during the storms, with 288ha severely impacted.

Thorpdale resident Deanie Brullo was a volunteer in town in the months after the storm damage, often spending 12 hours a day helping others.

She said the 12-month anniversary was starting to weigh on some people as the impact of the damage took its emotional toll.

“It’s really difficult, you still see tarps on roofs and damaged houses. You know of people not in their homes still. There are a few insurance logistics,” Ms Brullo said.

“I’ve spoken to a few people, they say they’re all right but as the anniversary gets closer they’re realising it’s been 12 months, and they’re different within themselves. It plays in the back of the mind.”

Mirboo North and District Community Foundation executive officer Ruth Rogan said the one-year anniversary of the storms brought with it conflicting feelings.

“We’re still on the recovery journey, it really takes time,” Ms Rogan said.

“There are people who aren’t back in their houses, with tarps still on the roof. Some recreational infrastructure is back open, like the golf club and the pool.”

Mirboo North clean up volunteers Scott Melzer from Druin, Scott Eastwood from Poowong and Lindsay Oates. Picture: Yuri Kouzmi

Mirboo North storm damage and clean up. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Ms Rogan, who has lived in Mirboo North for 12 years, said the community foundation established a community recovery fund, which received $95,000 in donations and directed $50,000 back into the community.

“We opened the fund just after the storm, with immense generosity outside the community and across the region,” Ms Rogan said.

“One of the main focuses has been events and activities so people are connecting, and processing what’s happened around us.”

Future disaster and energy preparedness will be the focus of the organisation in 2025.

“A little bit of planning for the future makes people feel like you can do better next time,” Ms Rogan said.

Projects include solar and battery infrastructure at a community hub in town, and bushland regeneration and tree planting.

The Department of Land Energy Environment and Climate Change commercialised windfallen wood as part of the emergency clean up response, with $47,000 generated from the sale of timber for milling and firewood, which was donated to the community fund.

Originally published as One year on from Mirboo North storms