ACEFAC 2014 * Jodi Clark, Project Manager
Warrandyte Community Association
Greg Kennedy, South Warrandyte Brigade CaptainVIC Country Fire Authority
The Warrandyte community was minutes from being engulfed during the Black Saturday fires when a wind change diverted the fire from the heart of populated areas. Prompted by an overwhelming response at subsequent public meetings, the Warrandyte Community Association sought grant funding to research impediments to bush fire plan preparation, and then set about developing new and creative tools, seminars, workshops and communication materials to encourage and support residents to prepare their plan.
The grant process and subsequent project formed the basis of a strong collaboration between local government, emergency agencies, residents and a dedicated and eminent community group, forging strong and cooperative working arrangements. This partnership continues better and stronger to this day with planned objectives to further enhance community resilience during the next 12 months.