Council supporting communities affected by ongoing power outage

In response to the ongoing power outage emergencies affecting our region, Wellington Shire Council is committed to supporting the community's recovery efforts.

Council is working closely with Yarram Neighbourhood House and Yarram Community Emergency Planning Group to coordinate and deliver this support, providing essential services to those in need, particularly in impacted areas including Yarram, Port Albert, Binginwarri, Woodside and Devon North.

Thanks to coordinated efforts, communities impacted by prolonged power outages in the south of Wellington Shire now have access to free community meals, 24-hour access to toilet and shower facilities and connected locations to charge phones and devices.

Key support available includes:

• Free community dinners in Yarram, Port Albert, Binginwarri, Woodside, and Devon North
• 24/7 access to showers and toilets at Yarram Recreation Reserve
• Phone charging facilities in Yarram, Port Albert, Binginwarri, and Devon North

Some communities in affected areas are facing the challenge of disposing of spoiled food and green waste due to extended power outages. To support these communities, Council will be accepting spoiled food and green waste at the Yarram and Dargo Transfer Stations for no-fee as follows:

• Yarram and surrounding areas: spoiled food and green waste will be accepted at the Yarram Transfer Station on Friday 16, Saturday 17, Sunday 18, and Monday 19 February from 9am to 5pm.
• Dargo and surrounding areas: spoiled food only will be accepted at the Dargo Transfer Station. This transfer station does not accept green waste. The transfer station will operate on Friday 16 February from 11am to 3pm, Saturday 17 February from 1pm to 5pm and Sunday 18 February from 10am to 3pm.

Support available as of Thursday 15 February 2024:

• Yarram Community House - free meal provided between 6pm to 7.30pm. Phone and device charging available today until 7.30pm.
• Yarram Recreation Reserve - 24/7 access to bathrooms and showers, and areas to charge your phone or digital devices.
• Port Albert Watersports and Safety Centre - free community meal Thursday at 6pm.
• Binginwarri Hall – generator available with the ability to charge phones and devices. There is a free meal Thursday at 6pm.
• Woodside Recreation Reserve - free BBQ run by the Lions Club Thursday from 6pm.
• Devon North Church Hall - free meal at 6pm on Thursday with phone and device charging available during dinner period.

Similar arrangements will continue in some capacity if the power outage continues overnight.

Full customer service functionality is currently available at the Yarram Hub, this includes card and electronic payments.

Council will continue to provide updates as the situation changes or improves. Residents who have phone connectivity and need to contact Council are advised to contact 1300 366 244.  

Council extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone in these communities who are helping others to recover from the impact of emergencies.