Community organisations and volunteers from Whittlesea township and surrounds are joining forces to partner with the Foundation for Regional and Rural Renewal (FRRR) to strengthen local connections, community vitality and disaster resilience as part of a multi-year, community-led program.
Local leaders, including representatives from the Community Resilience Committee (CRC), Neighbourhood Centre, Victoria police, Rotary, Community Garden and council came together to put in an application on behalf of the community. As a result, Whittlesea township and surrounds is one of three Victorian communities that will partner with FRRR as part of the Disaster Resilient: Future Ready (DR:FR) initiative.
Through this program, these groups – and others – will be supported to come together to develop and lead initiatives that strengthen and grow local community networks, and enhance the community’s capacity to positively respond, recover and adapt to disruptions and the impacts of future disasters.
Participants will build on existing local knowledge, expertise and strengths to develop a platform for community-led resilience, enabling people to share knowledge and information, stay connected and coordinate with one another.
FRRR disaster resilience and recovery lead Nina O’Brien said that from initial conversations with local representatives, it’s obvious that the communities of Whittlesea township and surrounds are passionate about driving and advocating for positive change.
“Whittlesea township and surrounds has a long history with bushfires and is also now experiencing change and disruption through population and urban growth and climate change. Groups like the CRC, which has been actively involved in the journey for 10 years, see the DR:FR program as an opportunity for the local community to get on the front foot, and to work together to strengthen the community’s ability to navigate current and future changes.
“Local people are already working together to make Whittlesea township and surrounds a vibrant place to live. We are delighted to be able to support this community-driven process and provide resources to help engage the broader community, explore the local context in greater detail and test and implement priority actions.
“The DR:FR initiative is designed to be a catalyst for community-led resilience, by empowering local people to build and adapt the strengths, tools and resources that already exist in the community. FRRR’s role in this process is as a facilitator and supporter. We play a connecting and brokering role, alongside local people, who work together to create and achieve the community’s visions and goals.”
Community members who are interested in finding out more and getting involved with the program locally are encouraged to get in touch with Ivan and Kerry at the Whittlesea Community Resilience Committee and Whittlesea Community House, or DR:FR program co-ordinator Jacqui Bell on 1800 170 020.
For more information about the program, visit frrr.org.au/drfr-victoria/.
