The storm event Harden-Murrumburrah experienced on 10th February caused damage to a diverse range of local businesses.
Almost three months later many businesses are still operatng in temporary premises while insurance claims are finalised and building repairs commence.
The purpose of the Harden Murrumburrah Regional Development CorporaƟon (HRDC) is to facilitate and run charitable projects or initiatives which are of general benefit to the public within and beyond the rural and regional locatons of Harden-Murrumburrah.
Ensuring local businesses effected by February’s natural disaster were able to maintain operations in the aftermath of the storm was a high priority for HRDC.
While the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) role for HRDC was vacant at the time, the HRDC Committee worked with the HRDC Community Engagement Officer,
Antonia Brown to quickly to develop a Discretionary Financial Relief Initiative.
HRDC provided 41 businesses located in Albury Street and the Neill Street business district with an opportunity to apply for discretionary financial relief.
Of the 41 businesses, 18 applied for financial relief.
All 18 met the criteria for funding and a total of $112,500 was distributed for immediate support.
A new CEO is now in place at HRDC.
Melissa Pinney has been in the CEO role for just over a month.
“I am excited to build on the great work HRDC has already done to support the twin towns of Harden Murrumburrah,” she said.
Melissa Pinney is the third HRDC CEO since the role was established in 2019 and the first female in the role.
Melissa has strong local connections with five generations of her family having lived and worked in Harden Murrumburrah.
“HRDC is in a unique position to help the community in ways not available to most other rural and regional communities.
"As CEO, I will play a key part in developing and implementing initiatives that benefit our local community."
Melissa is looking forward to working with the HRDC team and Hilltops Council for the betterment of the community.
"I feel honoured to do this work alongside HRDC’s Community Engagement Officer, the incredible volunteer HRDC Committee members, and in collaboration with Hilltops Council,” she said.
“As well as large future-focused projects that will help develop and grow our twin towns, HRDC is also working on small but practical projects such as the establishment of a local Community and Business Directory.
"This online resource will help locals and visitors more easily access all the services available in Harden Murrumburrah.
“The Harden Laundromat, another iniative of HRDC, is also back up and running with new machines available for use by both locals and visitors to the area.”
Melissa can be contacted on 0412 325 895 or via ceo@hrdc.org.au for anyone interested in learning more about the work of HRDC.
“Harden Murrumburrah may have been battered by a natural disaster in February, but a few months on, the twin towns continue to demonstrate that we are stronger together,” Melissa said.