Not-for-profit private health insurer Latrobe Health Services has donated $25,000 to the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund (GERF) to assist with immediate financial support for Gippsland residents impacted by floods and storm activity over the past week.

Latrobe Health Services spokeswoman Kate Jarvis also urged other Gippsland businesses to support emergency relief efforts as the clean-up from one of the worst Victorian storm events continues.

“Gippsland is our homeland, and many of our members and the communities in which they live were hit hard by storm and flood damage, power outages, property damage and loss, and impaired access from and to their homes,” Ms Jarvis said.

“We hope other Gippsland businesses will join us in supporting relief efforts to deal with and recover from this emergency.”

GERF spokesperson Barry Whitehead welcomed the donation saying it would support Gippslanders with immediate relief – such as food and temporary accommodation - while insurance and government claims were processed.

“Many within our community were forced to evacuate as a result of storm damage and flooding. While the extent of the damage is still being assessed, we are aware of people needing immediate support,” Mr Whitehead said.

“It’s so heartening to see the goodwill from organisations such as Latrobe Health Services, who are coming through for this community during a very trying time.”

Support for members

In addition to the GERF donation, Latrobe Health Services will directly support its fund members impacted by the floods by waiving premiums for up to six months under hardship conditions.

Ms Jarvis said fund members who served as first responders either with the Country Fire Authority or the State Emergency Service will also have their premiums waived for one month in recognition of their efforts.

“We ask all our members who have been impacted by this emergency to get in touch and have a chat about how we might be able to help,” Ms Jarvis said.

More information

Latrobe Health Services members can access more information by phoning 1300 362 144.

To make a donation to the GERF, head to gerf.org.au

Photo: Latrobe Health Services team members hand over the cheque for $25,000 to Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund volunteers.