This morning, MV Sycamore has arrived safely at Hastings carrying around 60 evacuees on board. This was followed by over 1,000 more evacuees and pets arriving later in the day via HMAS Choules.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Councillor Sam Hearn said this has been a fantastic example of over 200 staff and volunteers from Mornington Peninsula Shire, state government emergency agencies and community organisations working together.
"Today's efforts ensured this evacuation ran smoothly and supported fellow Victorians at a difficult time.
"The most important thing for us was seeing bushfire affected people reunited with their families quickly and safely".
We'd like to thank our generous community members, local businesses, sporting clubs and community groups for their generous offers of support for the Mallacoota evacuation.
At this stage we're supporting state government agencies by providing Somerville Recreation Centre as an Emergency Relief Centre and the state government emergency agencies do not require additional support by way of goods or accommodation.
Today, it's important that residents avoid the area around Somerville Recreation Centre and Blue Scope Steel, Hastings and observe traffic management. The evacuees will be tired and it's important we get them transported to friends and family as quickly as possible.
We have been advised at this stage that concerned residents should support bushfire affected Victorians by donating money to Red Cross, Salvation Army, Foodbank Victoria. The Red Cross is not able to receive goods at this time.
