Communities

Community groups play a crucial role in disaster preparation.

There are many ways communities can work together to prepare for natural disasters and emergencies. For example, they can:

• Host information sessions, such as those run by the CFS, SES, and the Australian Red Cross

• Encourage local residents to set up local emergency phone trees

• Assist neighbours or other local residents who might need support to prepare their properties, homes, and emergency plans, particularly before the bushfire season

Some communities are getting ready not just for emergencies, but also for what comes after, by planning to open Community Support Hubs (CSHs).

A CSH is a local place where people can connect, share information, and support each other.

They’re run by local volunteers who work with community groups, councils, and emergency services to understand risks and help people prepare.

After a disaster, a CSH can open to offer simple but important help like refreshments, power, and a safe place to gather with neighbours and friends.

You can learn more about CSHs from the resources below.

Resources from local, interstate and international sources have been compiled to support communities wishing to find out more about establishing a community support hub and building community resilience.

Some communities are practicing their Community Support Hub plans by running local community exercises. The Charleston community have been running exercises for a few years and has been captured in the video below.

You can also hear from local residents, Chris Cotton and Adam Weinert, about planning as a community for the first 72 hours after a disaster. Their presentation draws on their experiences of the Cuddle Creek bushfire.

In the Adelaide Hills Council area, various community initiatives are enhancing preparedness and resilience:

1. Bushfire Preparation and Recovery
   • The 'Adelaide Hills Community Action Bushfire Network' (AHCABN) is a volunteer-driven network focused on bushfire preparation and recovery.
2. Inclusive Emergency Planning
   • The 'Hills Emergency Resilience Disability Network' advocates for inclusive emergency planning, particularly for people with disabilities and their carers.
3. Community Training and Preparedness
   • The 'RediCommunities Project', in partnership with the Australian Red Cross, has provided emergency planning training to ten townships. These townships are now working on projects such as creating information packs and organising disaster readiness sessions.
   • The 'Recovery Ready Halls' program, funded by the Australian Government, has equipped community facilities to serve as support hubs during emergencies. Participants from both the RediCommunities Project and the Recovery Ready Halls program are developing 72-hour recovery plans to guide initial response efforts following a disaster.

For more information on local community groups working on disaster preparedness and resilience, please contact our Community Resilience Officer.