South West NRM is launching a new project designed to connect communities ahead of a predicted increase in drought events.
Amidst growing awareness of the heavy socio-economic impact of drought on entire communities, a Community Resilience Network will improve capability and collaboration between organisations and groups to reduce harm.
To establish the network community leaders and volunteers from a broad range of sectors are being sought in six South West shires to participate in local working groups that will champion resilience building and support services.
South West NRM Manager Sustainable Agriculture Peter Clifton said the aim of the groups will be to:
- Increase community access to suitable support services, especially early intervention tools that help to build individual and community resilience;
- Share resources and learnings to develop partnerships across the region;
- Develop plans to further build community resilience.
“We encourage a diversity of participants across age, length of residency, cultural backgrounds including Aboriginal, and socio-economic standing,” Peter said.
Support has been sought for the project from Community Resource Centres throughout the region to help form and facilitate the working groups.
“We have partnered with CRCs throughout the region to assist with holding a series of six meetings between February and September, 2024 for anyone who might be interested in joining the working groups,” Peter said.
“The meetings will be held online and at CRCs in Boyup Brook, Bridgetown, Donnybrook, Harvey, Manjimup and Brunswick Junction.”
To find out more or register your interest in the Community Resilience Network and/or leadership training, get in touch with one of the CRCs listed above or contact Peter Clifton on 0409 680 900 or [email protected]
The Community Resilience Network is one of five projects happening throughout the region all designed to build social resilience ahead of drought events and presented under the collective banner ‘Surviving the Day‘.
This project is supported by FRRR, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
