Getting involved in disaster preparedness and recovery

Community Recovery Committees (CRCs) are groups of people leading recovery efforts. They centre local voices, know-how and expertise during recovery, resilience and (re)building efforts, planning and delivery.

We really encourage you to get involved. Reach out to your local council to find out if they have a community recovery committee currently and if not, ask for one to be created.

If you’re in Eastern Victoria, find your local Community Recovery Committee now.

Youth Advisory Groups (YAG) or consultation/committee groups bring young people together to share their experiences, and co-design solutions to the challenges they face, in a safe and supportive environment.

Your local council in should have a Youth Council. If they don’t you could establish one and work with the council to get one off the ground.

Case study: Youth working group for bushfire recovery

The 2019-2020 bushfires saw farmland and bushland destroyed with the town of Corryong in the Upper Murray being evacuated.

Through Corryong Neighbourhood Centre, two young people, Quinn and Errol started a youth working group that was run by young people, for young people to have their say on the recovery process.

The group was upskilled to learn how to advocate for themselves and demonstrate their identity through t-shirts and beanies. They've also been involved in redeveloping the local skate park, the Playles Hill Park and engaging their peers in social activities.

This group was the first platform created for young people to give input on decisions being made about community recovery following the bushfires.

It’s a great example of young people taking matters into their own hands and amplifying their own voices.

We hope this inspires you to create your own working group!

Think about events you could help organise to bring some fun to your life during difficult times and bring the community together:

• Community barbecue

• Photo exhibition at the local gallery

• Farmers markets

• Fete’s, fairs and festivals

• Community tree planting

• Film screenings

• Talent shows and charity concerts

Another option could be FReeZA, a fantastic Victorian Government program run by The Push that gives young people aged 12–25 the chance to organise, lead and perform live music, dance parties and other events.

You could volunteer for emergency services in your local community, and many volunteer programs exist within the Country Fire Authority (CFA), State Emergency Service (SES), and St John Ambulance Victoria.

You will receive accredited, recognised training as part of your role, ranging from^1,2,3:

• First aid

• General rescue

• Chainsaw operations

• Community education

• Media training and much more.

• You will gain leadership and teamwork skills, confidence and a greater knowledge and understanding of disasters.

Having opportunities to undertake meaningful work experience will help you upskill, network and build your confidence.

You can gain experience in:

• Solving real-life problems and seeing the impact of your work

• Researching market conditions and learning how they affect businesses

• Communicating with different people with different skill sets

• Learning about new technologies and how they’re used in the workplace

• Working in different roles to see what they entail on a day-to-day basis.

If your community has experienced a disaster, think about all the spaces that need to be rebuilt.

You could be part of that and have a say in the design, rebuilding and planning of:

• Footpath redevelopment

• Libraries

• Local parks and community facilities

• Pools, skateparks, basketball courts and sporting ovals

Apprenticeships and traineeships provide a gateway to great jobs and real hands-on training.

You can earn an income while gaining valuable work and life experience, as well as achieving a qualification in a desired field of expertise.