Workshops to enhance emergency readiness

GOLDEN Plains residents have shown interest in sessions beginning from next week designed to further prepare themselves and their communities for emergency situations.

The region’s council is running its Community Disaster Resilience Program throughout March to May in Linton, Rokewood and Maude.

On Tuesday this week, Linton residents learnt more at a special meeting about the program, which will be first hosted at the township’s community hub on Tuesday 24 March.

The program will include household-focused sessions providing effective steps residents can take to protect themselves, loved ones and property.

It will also feature workshops that help residents identify risks, resources and priorities to co-create a locally owned Community Emergency Management Plan.

Gillian Fraser, vice-president of the Linton and District Progress Association, said a plan was something residents had discussed was needed.

The Skipton bushfire on 9 January affected many residents within the township.

Ms Fraser thought one benefit of having a community plan would be providing residents with a framework in times of emergency.

“I think a better structure,” she said. “An opportunity for people to present some really good ideas and just being safe in the knowledge that we do have a community disaster plan.

“It’d be a great way to bring the community together and work on a really solid plan to make sure that if, when, this happens again, everyone knows what to do.”

Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Owen Sharkey said encouraged residents to take part in the program.

“Having prepared communities can save lives in emergency situations. By learning, planning and working together, we’re strengthening the households and local towns in Golden Plains Shire. These sessions will give our communities the tools to stand strong when it matters most,” Cr Sharkey said.

A council spokesperson said the shire collaborated closely with community leaders and emergency agencies to identify priority areas and develop targeted resilience programs.

The household-focused sessions will be held on Tuesday 24 March from 6pm to 9pm at the Linton Community Hub, Wednesday 25 March from 6pm to 9pm at the Rokewood Community Hub and Wednesday 1 April from 6pm to 9pm at Maude CFA Station.

Workshops for Community Emergency Management Planning (CEMP) will run on Saturday 18 April from 10am to 4pm at the Linton Community Hub, Sunday 19 April from 10am to 4pm at the Rokewood Community Hub and Saturday 2 May from 10am to 4pm at Maude CFA Station.

To register, email [email protected].