Residents of Casterton, Victoria, are still grappling with the aftermath of a severe hailstorm that struck on October 16 last year. The storm caused extensive damage, leaving many, including Kim Jeffrey, living in temporary accommodations for much longer than anticipated. Jeffrey, 52, has been living in a caravan parked in her driveway for over a year after the storm damaged her home, flooding it and destroying much of her property.

"It certainly at times has completely broken me," Jeffrey said. Despite having an agreement with her insurer, she faces ongoing challenges. Timber beams still support her damaged ceiling, and she estimates that over 80 percent of her belongings were ruined. "Photos were probably the hardest thing to lose," she added. "At the beginning we said, 'Things are just things,' but as time goes on you realize it's a lifetime of memories."

The Insurance Council of Australia reported that Jeffrey's claim was among 1,350 filed in the town of 1,600 residents. The storm resulted in 608 home insurance claims, 489 car insurance claims, and 253 business claims. Many homes in Casterton are still under repair, with scaffolding visible throughout the town.

The Insurance Council recently visited Casterton to address residents' frustrations regarding the claims process. A spokesperson stated, "This latest visit builds on our earlier engagement with the community and reflects our commitment to helping policyholders navigate what can be an unfamiliar process."

Sharron Annegill, 67, also experienced significant damage to her home. She recalled how neighbors helped clear hail from her roof during the storm, preventing further collapse. Since her husband passed away from cancer three years ago, Annegill has been managing her insurance claim alone and has dealt with multiple client managers. "You build trust with someone and then suddenly there's a new person. I found that frustrating," she said.

Annegill noted that while the Insurance Council's visits have been helpful, challenges remain, particularly in finding available tradespeople to complete repairs.

Local businesses have also suffered, with over 250 insurance claims filed, including those from the Albion Hotel. Owner Julie Phillips reported that the century-old pub has remained mostly closed since the storm and is unlikely to reopen this summer. The hotel typically provides accommodation and meals for emergency crews during bushfires, but the storm's damage has hindered those services.

The Glenelg Shire estimated the storm caused $50 million in damages. Aaron Moyne, the director of infrastructure services, indicated that the insurance response may have been delayed due to other severe weather events in other regions. He noted that the state government did not declare the storm an emergency, which may have limited assistance for the town's recovery.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Jeffrey expressed that the experience has strengthened community bonds. Neighbors and friends have rallied to support her family, especially during her son's preparations for his VCE exams. "The support network around us has been amazing," she said. "You certainly learn through this what your friends mean to you."