The Australian town of Porepunkah is under siege with a manhunt for Desmond Freeman intensifying. Local residents — particularly high-risk individuals who require in-home care — have been severely impacted by the crisis. Three weeks ago, a statewide Amber Alert was activated following a horrible crime on Aug. 26. By the end of that day, according to authorities, Freeman had shot and killed two police officers, Vadim De Waart and Neal Thompson. With the manhunt still in progress, visitors to the valley have been strongly advised not to visit Porepunkah until the matter is resolved.
On Tuesday, hundreds of police officers mobilized to the Porepunkah area. They are amplifying their manhunt for Freeman. These changing attitudes from local authorities towards a more safety-minded approach are especially welcome. They’ve since enforced a tight lockdown that halts all in-home services from Alpine Health. This dangerous measure has cut many of our most vulnerable residents, including those with chronic health conditions, from the program that provides them with necessary support.
Impact on In-Home Care Services
The emergency declaration by Alpine Health has created chaotic disruption to healthcare services in Porepunkah. Rhys Gloury, a spokesperson for Alpine Health, stated, “We continue to act on the advice of Victoria Police and emergency services at this time.” He focused on the improvements made to in-home services. He promised that other shelter for impacted residents has been arranged and that hospital services are still fully functioning.
Many residents remain concerned about their inability to receive necessary care. Local resident Merelyne Robinson, who is fighting mitochondrial myopathy, has found life harder since her in-home support was cut off temporarily. This debilitating condition has taken hold of her eyesight and mobility, needing a walker to get around.
Lynda Robinson, Merelyne’s mother, expressed her worries regarding her daughter’s well-being during this difficult time. She mentioned that Merelyne is getting quite frustrated and lonely. “She sits there and thinks I might not be too bad, but what about everyone else around the place that might be worse off than me? She gets quite distraught at times,” Lynda said.
Limited Support Amid Ongoing Search
After almost three weeks with no in-home visits, Merelyne finally got her first support visit on Monday. She had two nurses who would care for her, helping her shower and with other daily activities. Our visit was otherwise filled with COVID precaution. A sensitive nurse met them at the front door, prepared to detect anything that might prove hazardous throughout their experience together.
Even with more of these supportive services returning, the logistical hurdles are still overwhelming. “There’s no taxi service… she can’t actually make it to the bus unless she has help,” Lynda said. In addition, she called out how impractical alternative suggestions from health professionals were. Lynda said that they have been making phone calls to encourage and help her to get to Myrtleford. That solution isn’t feasible because she doesn’t drive.
As of Monday, nearly 4,000 shifts have been resource since the start of the manhunt. However, millions of residents continue to experience the effects of reduced access to care. This is the situation as the search for Freeman enters day six.
Community Concerns
The Porepunkah community have been left anxious to have their feelings, as an alarming and sometimes fatal encounter with an alleged predator is investigated. Residents are processing the loss of two police officers while grappling with the impact of the emergency measures on their daily lives. Local leaders are doing all they can to answer these questions and deliver the assistance local businesses need during this difficult time.
