Supporting spontaneous volunteers in communities, from 'risk' to 'ready'
Capacity building - LEP23 - 024_LLC_CD
The issue
Small communities within the Glen Innes Severn Council region can become isolated during emergencies caused by extreme weather events. This means that receiving assistance from formal emergency response agencies such as the NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW State Emergency Services can be delayed, requiring individual community members to have the capability, knowledge and confidence to support spontaneous community response efforts.
The solution
GLENRAC, in partnership with the Glen Innes Severn Council, held a series of four (4) ‘Risk to Ready’ workshops over two days in May, 2025, supported by funding from the Supporting Spontaneous Volunteers Program, to Connect, Support, Plan, and Educate informal volunteers in preparedness for future emergency response.
A total of 47 people attended workshops held for the Wytaliba, Wellingrove, Deepwater and Dundee communities and included volunteer members from the emergency response organisations: NSW RFS, NSW SES and Red Cross.
The impact
The workshops were facilitated by the founders of the ‘Community Led’ organisation, which aims to empower communities with an evidence-based and trauma-informed approach to disaster preparedness and recovery, helping communities navigate the challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events.
Workshop attendees investigated and shared knowledge of their community’s network of connections, individual skills and capabilities, as well as identifying linkages with external sources of support and assistance to optimize the effectiveness of recovery efforts.
The development of each individual community’s emergency action plans/ strategies was encouraged as the next stage of the process, enabling a clear understanding of the equipment and resources available - including communication methodologies – to be activated when necessary.
Key facts
- • A total of 47 community members attended four (4) ‘Risk to Ready’ workshops.
- • The Supporting Spontaneous Volunteers Program is funded by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, the lead agency for disaster prevention, preparedness, recovery, and reconstruction in NSW.
- • The Landcare Enabling Program supports the organisation and coordination of workshops and events.