Safer Together Program | Rural Community Emergency Planning

Published on 23 October 2023

The Rural City of Wangaratta invites all community members to form or join an Emergency Management Planning committee in their area. Be part of a local team which aims to support our communities in planning and preparing for emergencies.

This community-led initiative, funded by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and the Country Fire Association, aims to empower, and support our rural communities to effectively prepare, respond and overcome adverse events such as bushfires, floods, and storms in their local areas.

“Planning is one of the most important parts of an emergency – knowing what you will do in those first 72 hours after an event, and knowing what the community is capable of providing,” said Marcus Goonan, Director Community, and Infrastructure. “I’d encourage our community to get involved with this process.”

Rural City of Wangaratta provides guidance and resources for local communities to build new, or to strengthen existing groups. Some communities we are currently working with to form committees include Greta, King Valley, Eldorado, Milawa, Tarrawingee and Springhurst.

The Greta and King Valley committees were formed by representatives from emergency organisations such as CFA, SES, VICPOL and community members working together to identify their local risks and assets, and to address their local needs and challenges.

Don’t miss this chance to get involved and make a difference in your community.

Please contact Safa Molan, Community Resilience & Recovery Officer s.molan@wangaratta.vic.gov.au or call 0492083180 for more details and to discuss the way forward.