Emergency info accessible for all

AN upcoming workshop at VicSES Wendouree will aim to give multicultural community members the accurate information they need to prepare to respond in an emergency.

Delivered by CFA and SES members, coordinator Sally Marcroft said the Get Techy, Get Ready session on Wednesday 6 December will guide participants through essential resources.

“In an emergency, people need to understand what is happening, where to get the information, and what the actions are,” she said.

“We found during COVID, people were sourcing information not from the most accurate government sources, instead they were using social media.

“So, by the end of this session, they’ll know which apps are accurate and essential in preparing, responding to, and recovering from emergencies and natural disasters, how to download them, and use them.

“These apps include the ABC Listen app, VicEmergency App, the Bureau of Meteorology, and Red Cross RediPlan, among others.”

Ms Marcroft said this session is specifically designed to reach those in the multicultural community who may not be as tech savvy, or aware of the resources available to them.

“These may be older members of the community or those who have only recently arrived in Australia from other countries with English as a very new language,” she said.

“We really want to support the people who are more vulnerable as we come into a potentially really hot summer.”

Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council is one of the workshop’s hosts.

“It’s a really exciting partnership because communication during emergency response is so important,” Ms Marcroft said.

“We’re proactively working with multicultural communities so that all residents across the Ballarat region are receiving accurate information.”

The session is set for 6pm to 8pm at 352 Dowling Street, Wendouree, with a light supper provided. Register at bit.ly/47T7YBx or call BRMC.