By Tyler Wright
The Mums of the Hills (MotHs) group held a free event at the Dandenong Ranges RSL on Friday 27 October to help new residents to Sassafras, Olinda and Ferny Creek feel connected with others in the community.
MotHs founder Belinda Young said an in person event is the “best way” to find people that share you same interests and hobbies.
“Even if you don’t become best mates with everybody, you see them in the street, you can give them a little nod, you raise your hand as you’re driving past and you know that they’re local and you know that you’ve broken the ice by coming to this event,” Ms Young said.
“Our big goal of course is to bring the community together in a very relaxed setting, no pressure.
“The second goal of course is that if we have disasters, if something happens, you are aware of who’s in your community and who has the skills; for example, who knows how to use a chainsaw, CPR, who has a trailer – and being able to band together quite quickly as a community is really important”
Ms Young said while existing locals love the area and accept the risks that come with living in the environment of the Dandenong Ranges – it can be “quite difficult” to crack into the community.
“It’s quite difficult to meet people, especially if your kids don’t go to a school.
“It’s very hard to find those connections and those long lasting friendships, so we’re trying to give them a helping hand.”
Made possible by a Yarra Ranges Council storm recovery grant, the event included a free BBQ, live music and local social, sporting and community groups providing information and sign up opportunities.
A CFA expert also gave advice leading into summer.
Ms Young said it is not only agencies like Victoria Police and the CFA that pass through knowledge of disasters like the June 2021 storm event, but also locals that have lived in the area for a long time.
“We know that if something happens that we won’t have those services at hand, maybe for quite a long time, so we’ve got the skills and knowledge to look after ourselves for a good deal of time until those services can get in,” she said.
“That can be something that can be a bit of a shock for new residents if they arrive quickly without having that chat or knowing those people and then something happens they’re not prepared for.”
Ms Young said while Sassafras and Olinda are predominantly “tourist towns,” the RSL is open and holds events for residents.
“We think they’re a great bunch of people and we want to link arms and recognise what they do,” she said.
The Dandenong Ranges RSL is located at 1773 Mountain Highway in Sassafras.
