An innovative program by not-for-profit organisation Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) in partnership with Deakin University is helping Victoria’s Gippsland region prepare for future severe weather events.
Jointly funded by the Albanese Government and ABV under the flagship Disaster Ready Fund, the $4.8 million Resilient Regions – Capable Communities program reduces risk exposure for businesses and builds community resilience.
Over three years, ABV aims to facilitate up to 33 community-led workshops and community meetings and deliver pro bono disaster resilience projects with corporate partners and bring more than 160 skilled volunteers alongside to build capacity of small business and community organisations.
The first workshops kick off soon in East Gippsland, and will roll out in parts of Baw Baw, Latrobe and Wellington local government areas.
The official launch of the program will take place on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.
Insights from the sessions will be used by Deakin University to build an evidence-base on the relationships between the business sector, skilled volunteering and community resilience.
The research will be used to inform long-term activities that promote the role of business in disaster preparedness and recovery as well as reduce risk exposure, improve recovery and regional economic resilience.
Former Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt said the program was one of more than 180 initiatives being funded through the first round of the Disaster Ready Fund.
“The Albanese Government is investing up to $1 billion over five years from 2023 to deliver initiatives that help prepare Australians for increasingly severe and intense severe weather events through our Disaster Ready Fund,” Minister Watt said.
“Gippsland communities have experienced first-hand the devastating social and economic impact of disasters, and it’s great to see this initiative get underway in the region.
“Regional towns, in particular, rely heavily on local businesses, and we know the business community and their employees are often hard hit by severe weather events and disasters.
“These locally-led workshops enable people to share their experiences, plan what can be done differently, understand the importance of recovery and know where to turn to in the next emergency.”
Federal Labor Senator for Victoria, Raff Ciccone, welcomed the Albanese Government’s continued investment in the Gippsland region.
“Under the Disaster Ready Fund, Federal Labor is supporting community-led disaster resilience initiatives across Gippsland so that communities are better protected and prepared for when disasters strike,” Senator Ciccone said.
“Resilience can only be achieved through combined efforts and the community working together, and I’m pleased this program will encourage collaboration and facilitate meaningful action.”
ABV chief executive office, Liz Mackinlay was thrilled to announce the launch of their Resilient Regions – Capable Communities program in Gippsland.
“We work in collaboration with existing groups, organisations and businesses, bringing highly skilled volunteers alongside to practically support community projects and build business capacity,” Ms Mackinlay said
“With this funding, we will be able to better address the needs of communities, particularly in terms of disaster preparedness, and business and economic resilience.
“Our approach will remain responsive and proactive, adapting to the community’s pace, scale, and focus, while always emphasising long-term sustainability.”
