(revised feb 2013) along_the_road_to_recovery-the_journey

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Collated by: Lyn Gunter JP,

Diplomas – Community Education

Community Development

Project Management

Date Completed: Wednesday 30th November 2011

Along the Road to Recovery -- the Journey The Communities’ perspective

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INDEX Acknowledgements ………………………………………………………………………………. 3 Authors Comment ……………………………………………..…………………………………. 4 Background Part 1 Community comments of the day of the disasters ……………………... 5 Executive summary …………………………………………………………………….……..….10 Key Recommendations…………………………………………………………………………...12 Methodology ……………………………………………………………………………………... 15 Background Part 2 ……………………………………………………………………….…..….. 16 Specific Issues Murrindindi Shire ………………………………………………………………. 19 Recommendations and Analysis …………………………………………………………… …. 21 Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 31 Appendices – …………………………………………………………………………………….. 33 A - Working Group Documents

I. Kinglake West x 2 II. Diamond Creek III. Glenburn IV. Kinglake V. Wandong VI. Eaglehawke

VII. Mudgegonga VIII. Myrtleford

IX. Toodyay B - Individual Comments,

C - Business Comments D - Previous Disasters, Bushfires, Floods, Cyclones and Drought E - References, including extracts

F - Further Reading

Mrs Lyn Gunter Trading as: A Grade Concepts

PO Box 2035, Flowerdale (HAZELDENE) Victoria, Australia 3658

Email: [email protected] [email protected]

Web: www.lyngunter.com.au

mailto:[email protected]

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Acknowledgement

This document would not have been possible without the participation of a vast number of community members, families and businesses people. Their dedication, experience and knowledge can and must help those in the future.

Our sincere appreciation for your openness and honesty, you have provided solutions and constructive criticism at a time when you are dealing with your own recovery. Your courage, strength and commitment are an inspiration. It is a privilege and honour to work with you. You have provided your knowledge and experiences it is now up to those who read this information to act. We gratefully acknowledge the work the government and agencies have undertaken so far and we know there is still a great deal more that must be achieved... We would like to acknowledge the support of the Victorian Department of Human Services who assisted in funding some of our work.

*Special Thanks to –

The many people who attended the recovery discussion groups

Those who provided written comments

The business sector

Those in the animal welfare sector (Stephen Tate who pointed us in the right direction on animal Welfare)

The many Interstate disaster affected communities for your ongoing communication

Those photographs provide as Public photo’s on the Internet Lastly, my personal these thanks to –

My husband Brenton and my family as I couldn’t have done this work without your help and patience.

To Dean and Andrew who supported and facilitated a number of workshops

To Jenny who did much of the editing and encouragement

Peter and Kathy who provided additional editing.

To Kevin who provided advice on Emergency Management ensuring information was accurate as possible

Omega International for their IT support and assistance

Our work has just begun as there is so much more that must be put in place if we are to build stronger more resilient communities. We have learnt so much may our experience and knowledge help communities now and in the future.

*This document including any attachments should be dealt with in accordance with copyright and privacy legislation except where otherwise stated; views expressed are those of the individuals. *In keeping with Privacy Laws only those who have consented to disclose their names have been named in this document, all other names have been with held.

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Authors Comment

The initial concept of documenting the valuable community experiences came as a result of the Victorian 2009 Bushfires. The 7th of February, was indeed a ‘Black’ night as lives, homes, communities and animals were destroyed by fire. While we may, at times, focus on the knowledge and experiences gained from those fires the principles and recommendations provided apply to any disaster.

With recent events; drought, fires, floods, cyclones and earthquakes, we believe it is vital to document the knowledge and experience of the communities impacted by disasters in the hope of improving the journey of recovery for those in the future. This journey is, as it should be, different for everyone, as everyone has different levels of coping mechanisms and abilities. For these reasons our recovery systems must be robust and flexible capable of dealing with a variety of different issues and needs, systems that build and develop community resilience.

Across Australia and the World the ever changing headlines, as a result of disasters, shifts our focus to new and more recent events leaving the impression that all is well for those who are endeavouring to rebuild their lives. The physical and emotional impact on individuals is well documented by clinical physiologists who explain it takes many years, if not a life time for a number of people, to recover from these events. Some move on quickly while others struggle to cope on a day to day basis gaining support from their families, friends, and communities for many years and possibly a lifetime.

We have looked back in time at just a few past events Australians have endured such as *1 Cyclone Tracey, Ash Wednesday, Victorian Floods (Shepparton Region- comments Anne McCamish in the Appendices) and the Canberra fires (comments from Liz Tilley in the Appendices).

In speaking to survivors of these events we witnessed how raw they remain in their minds. More recent *2 world events such as the earthquake in Haiti in January 2010, sees a community still in desperate need.

The 2011 earthquakes in New Zealand (comments Dean Cerneka Appendices and Japan, and Hurricane Katrina in 2005 in New Orleans left millions homeless and the

earthquake in *3 Bali in November. We have found that no matter what the Disaster, natural or man made the impact on lives is very much the same.

All these individuals, families and communities look for one thing, ‘Hope’. Hope their future will return to some sort of normality whatever that may be, as it is something they will have to create. May we never be forgotten what has been endured as the communities devastated by these events need our ongoing support. Individuals and communities should never feel alone or forgotten.

This document is just the beginning as there is so much more information that must be documented. The collective hope of those who have participated is that documenting their experiences will assist in the creation of improved systems assisting others on their ‘Journey’ of recovery.

* 1 Appendices D comment on previous disaster * 2 Reference BBC Earthquake Japan, Canada, Hudson River Aeroplane Crash * 3 Comments Bali Advertiser – extract

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Background Part 1 Comments from community members on the day of their disaster A HOT STORY: LITERALLY. Just call me Joe

Who could ever forget Feb 7th 2009, it was as we all know a Saturday of unprecedented hot weather, for three days I had not stepped outside of my house, to hot and the air conditioner was to inviting plus I had put my car in to the repair shop for a new motor so where was I going? Having no radio reception where I live I was not even aware that danger was coming at me at 60 or70 kph I was reading a book in the cool when the power went off I have no recollection of the time and seeing as how we

are used to this common occurrence where we live I just reached for my wind up torch gave it a quick wind up and continued reading. For some reason I happened to look up at one point and noticed through a gap in the curtains how thing’s looked very ‘red’ and I thought to myself ‘that’s strange, it’s still light so it cant be a sunset ‘ so I went to the front door and opened it and was struck dumb by what I saw the sky was or seemingly was on fire, there was no wind, no smoke and no flames in sight and not any movement what-so-ever, not a bird, animal or another person or car in view it was like I was the last person on earth. I immediately got dressed in appropriate clothing and decided to walk to the local CFA Station which is only three hundred meters from my home and seeing as I am a disabled pensioner that was a blessing, upon reaching the end of the street I heard a shout from a friend who was taking precautions to protect his home so I went in and he told me to get home for anything I might want to save because a big fire was on it’s way and it was way to late to try and flee. I abruptly did a u-turn and went home, my first thought was to place some photographs of my long deceased parents in a bag then my medications plus my old computer that held many thing’s that I cherish, I decided to take these out to the veranda before going back to collect some valuables (where to start, what to take and what not to take). I could only take what I could carry, bearing in mind that I use a walking stick for anything over 100 meters or so, upon reaching the front of my house I placed the items I had collected on the deck and as I straightened up I happened to look up and the corner of my house was burning, when I went in I couldn’t see any flames anywhere and in just a minute or so all the houses around me were on fire. I changed plans very quickly and picked up my few possessions and stumbled down the drive, when I reached my letter box I took a moment to look over my shoulder and to my utter amazement the whole of my house was an absolute inferno from one end to the other, and I mean it was as though someone had installed gas jets at ground level all around my home and had them on full blast and it only took me maybe 8 - 10 seconds to cover the length of my drive to the letterbox (it was only about twelve meters, it was staggering the speed of the fire. Upon arriving at my friends home I stashed my belonging’s into his wife’s car and proceeded to assist him with fire prevention duties, his home was well protected with a huge generator to drive his pumps and hydrants he had installed, when one of the hoses kinked we had to turn the water supply off to fix it and when I went to turn the water back on to drive the sprinkler system to my puzzlement there was no water pressure when I called out to John he went to

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investigate ,a few short minutes later he was back and looking rather shaky when I asked what was wrong he told me that the fire hose at the back of his property that went to the king parrot creek had burned through we both thought the worst, standing at the taps at this time we were as you would imagine feeling the heat, literally, the property next door was burning at about, oh, maybe five meters away or so.

I suggested that it was time to go and take to the cars and for reasons that we discussed between ourselves it was agreed that with my experience of driving etc. etc. I would drive my friends wife’s car and take her and their daughter with me, so I went inside and john’s neighbour’s were also there (4 more) when I declared that we were leaving they all said that sitting on the floor with a wet towel over their heads was the prescribed method according to CFA information I replied that yes that was true for smoke but seeing as how the flames by this time were 4 feet outside the window it was all moot, we were leaving the gentleman that was to drive the other car was understandably nervous but I assured him we had no choice and I was certain we would be o.k. going outside the scene was just ….I don’t know …unbelievable…catastrophic…surreal I think all those apply and more just as we were leaving the Murrindindi CFA truck arrived so john decided to stay so off we went.

We only went around the corner from our homes adjacent to the road was an empty paddock that had already been burnt so I pulled over and the other man asked what the plan was and I told him to just park next to me keep all the windows closed leave the motor running and have the air conditioner on with the recirculate switch engaged and follow my car if we have to move, on occasion the heat forced us to move away to the left or right or even backwards as one can imagine the atmosphere was at times tense.

I talked myself silly, trying for calm because logic dictated that we were going to be fine, as the evening wore on a CFA, or what we thought was a CFA vehicle approached us and we were instructed to follow him to a safe haven, was how he described it, and that was where we were put into the most dangerous position of the whole night, this bloke took us north so we actually caught up with the fire front, seeing as how it was burning from south to north and this fool was taking us to the hotel car park we actually drove through the fire front, the most diabolical thing I have ever had to endure.

When we woke up to what he was doing, it was way to late to change direction so we persevered much to our horror, trying to describe that drive is beyond my powers of the English language, suffice to say it was a very, very close (I mean inches from the flames at times and on several occasions through them) thing or to put it another way the ladies car was ruined in the process of saving our selves from this stupid action, during this debacle I vowed to never again listen to anyone other than my own logic in a time of crisis, as it turned out the CFA and my friend saved his property so we could have stayed behind and avoided the stress of that maniacal drive.

Watching the fire front reach out for a second time was stressful for the children, seeing as there was about twenty car loads of people that had slipped through the crack’s and were left behind so as you can imagine it was a long night where we all stayed on full alert till morning, the hotel was attacked by some embers but amazingly went mostly unscathed.

Imagine our surprise when we returned to our street to find my mate’s home unscathed so he and the CFA were damn near superhuman seeing as how houses on both sides of him went up in flames, I again have limited ability in describing what our little area looked like but to this day I can only say that the closest scenes I have seen that looks similar to what our streets looked like is photographs of Hiroshima after the atomic bomb was dropped on that city.

I kid you not the highest thing left standing apart from the five homes that some how avoided the fires was the gas bottles which I thought strange at the time (the safety valves worked as they are supposed to) I reckon at this juncture we were all pretty much in shock at the horror that was all around us, I don’t recommend going to see your house with your whole history and practically everything collected over a life time of collecting smouldering and burning in front of your eyes and just turning away because the sight was just to damn much, way to much….

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Cyclones QLD By Jo Rose I guess the thing that stuck out the most was the misinformation of the residents – there were the automated messages went out to evacuate if you were in a storm surge area – but people were evacuating unnecessarily – i.e. those on hills! It was impossible to get the flood maps from the council website as it had all jammed up! The bit that annoyed me most – was there were people boarding aircraft from places like Melbourne – on the day prior – that arrived here to find there accommodation had been evacuated and closed up – and they weren’t advised from Melbourne airport or their airline that there was such a BIG storm expected. That obviously puts more strain on local resources to take care of visitors that have no idea about cyclones. I am on the committee for local disaster management group now – and I raised the subject of our warning systems being different within towns and states – i.e. some places use YELLOW BLUE RED ALERT – some use CYCLONE WATCH – CYCLONE WARNING – etc. I think a national (if not international) warning system regardless of the event – should be adopted …. So that someone from a bushfire region would know a RED Alert means its bad – and to avoid going into the area – regardless of the event type.

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Fires Toodyay WA By Laurie

I was at work in Perth when I received a phone call from Bob, a friend who was staying at my home. He told me that Carlos from next door had come over to warn of an out of control fire coming up the Valley towards the property and that he was leaving. I knew at that moment that unless ’firey’s’ were on the property it was gone, but there was nothing I could do. I kept trying to get Bob back on the phone to make sure he had got away, and tried without success to get information as to what was happening there from FESA (Fire and Emergency Services Authority). Then at three twenty there was a text massage

followed immediately by a voice message to warn me that a fire was approaching. At this point I felt very angry that the warning came several hours after the fire had started. I was confused, my gut was churning over, I had a job to do that I could not walk away from, so that had to be done and the Hospital didn’t have the paper work so was delayed before I was on the way back to the valley, not knowing was ripping me apart inside. On the way back I received several calls from friends asking what was happening, yet nothing from the authority’s that had control, my gut was churning over and over my mind racing how bad was it, was my home lost, I felt it was, as when I phoned home my phone should have rung and didn’t but was it gone? My mind flooded with all that would be lost; my books, thousands of them, mementos, letters from mum and brothers, my lifetime of notes, boxes of them. I remember tears in my eyes as the potential loss swept through my mind. We got to Northam only to be told that the road to Toodyay was closed. Despite being told we tried to get through but couldn’t. That night I went to the FESA office in Northam to get info, they wouldn’t give me any. Later I spoke with Western Power employees who told me that a WP pole had started the fire and it was bad with homes lost. I spent most of the night walking the streets of Northam with tears as I was so restless. Early in the morning I went to the police station and asked a police women what was happening at Toodyay. She quizzed me as to where my home was, and then told me to listen to the radio for updates. I felt that she knew more than she was saying. Anger, confusion and unbelievable sadness swept over me. All I had worked for had possibly gone, or was it? I was angry that I wasn’t being given truthful answers, angry that I was not allowed into the area. It was my property; I did not need the police or others stopping me. I was well aware of the danger; I just wanted to see for myself. The delay was excruciating, I had not eaten, I couldn’t eat.

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Sean Hook – Grantham - 10th of January 2011

The rain didn’t seem to want to stop as the 9th of January, the day before the event, we had more water on the ground than Boxing Day 2010, and our whole yard was under water. Historically this is a normal flood event for Grantham.

The morning of the 10th was sunny and I was surprised when my mother rang me around 2.00 and 2.30 pm and said she had heard a wall of water was coming. We thought what on earth is mum talking about.

Because it had been raining and we lived near the creek we had been checking the creek and the Bureau of Meteorology website and said to each other ‘what was mum talking about, we think someone, was having a ‘lend’ of her’.

Within five minutes of calling mum rang back and said she could see the wall of water coming. I dropped everything while Teresa my wife phoned her sister telling her to put some things together as I was coming up to pick her up and bring her to our house, as we had a high set and she would be safer..

By the time I got back to the house the water was chest to neck height the water flowing so fast we could hardly get to the house and we had to use the house as a barrier from the current. My sister in law had bruises on her arms for about three weeks from me holding on to her. . We got inside the house and waited as the water got higher and higher around the house. We waited receiving lots of phone calls from family and friends. The Mobile phone was great as we made and received calls to friends and family letting them know we were going ok and finding out how they were going.

The water then started coming into the house so we decided to get on the rood. I got onto the roof first to see if I could get a helicopter to see me. No luck. We put the children on the roof first then tried to get my sister in-law on the roof and as we couldn’t we changed plans. We took her and the children into the bedroom and put them on a bunk closing the curtain so they couldn’t see what was happening outside. There were lots of helicopters flying around mainly media and we believe these should have been used to rescue people.

Just on dark there was slight rain starting to fall and by this stage the water was starting to recede. The phone calls kept coming telling us another wall of water was coming so we were thinking we had another wave coming through which turned out not to be true.

We were evacuated into Helidon about 11.15 pm that night initially and even that town became isolated. People were supporting us with cloths and food from their own cupboards. This really stood out for me how the community of Helidon dropped everything to help us. The first time we saw the Red Cross was 2 hours before the Premiere and Prime Minister arrived. I will never donate to the Red Cross or the Government Appeals.

I really believe we need a Disaster Management Team in Australia like New Zealand. People who go through a disaster are the best ones to talk to as they know what is needed and they can help each other through it with the support of the government.

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Executive Summary History records the many Natural Disasters Australians have endured since European settlement. With the growth and spread of the population, disasters have taken a higher toll on human and animal life resulting in major impacts on families, individuals and communities. This document takes a look back in time and asks those who went through disasters what they believe they have learned? Also, what recovery systems have been put in place to minimize the impact on lives and to better prepare communities on their journey of

recovery. *1

Disappointingly, their

response was the belief that little has been undertaken to improve the systems of recovery. There is no intention to lay blame anywhere. What is documented is the community solutions to the many issues of recovery so that governments, agencies and communities can implement defined actions that will assist in building community resilience minimizing the distress and anxiety of recovery. Many volunteers, (non emergency services) worked extremely hard, and in some cases, continue to work tirelessly as a result of disasters. From the comments provided it appears the majority of these community volunteers were not debriefed nor their valuable experiences and knowledge recorded to assist others now and in the future. (If they have been documented then sadly the Governments appear not to have taken any action)

Our findings take a ‘Diagonal Slice’ of the market, (views of the majority), with indications that communities hold many of the answers to their requirements for building community resilience and recovery, including the actions that could be put in place within 24 hours, if planning is provided. These solutions fit hand in glove with the *2Federal Governments National Principles of Recovery and Building Stronger more Resilient communities. It is understood that each level of government develops documents and

reviews on an annual basis their *3

Emergency Management and Recovery Plans providing

improved guidelines and guidance in their plans of preparation, response and recovery. Emergency Management plans are put to the test at major disasters and it is our hope the experience from the community will improve these systems. Emergency Services must implement their training that Response is the beginning of Recovery. If the response is positive then the recovery is more likely to have positive outcomes.

* 1 Appendices D Pg 85

* 2 Reference State and Territory website Pg 95 * 3 Reference Appendices National Principles of Recovery Page100

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Communities may not understand all the details of emergency response and recovery plans but perceptions evolve when there are a belief the plans are not followed. During the community discussions the question was often asked – ‘Does the written word on recovery equal on ground actions and do they meet the general community expectations?’ The majority felt the actual recovery process has many shortfalls and is inadequate with governments making little change to the recovery system. The National Principles of Recovery outlines that communities should and must, for their own personal health and wellbeing, be an integral part of recovery, with governments and non government agencies assisting, supporting and guiding them along the way.

Disappointingly the outcomes from the discussions show that this has not been the experience of the majority with the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission communities’ response confirming the comments within this document.

We believe this report, ‘Along the Road to recovery – the Journey’, aligns with the recommendation from the *4Victorian Royal Commission into the 2009 Bushfires where it states ‘... it encourages the review and evaluation of initiatives to support learning from experience.’ The comment from the communities has identified improvements and gaps which would assist in aligning the words of the Federal and State Governments Recovery Principles into on ground actions if implemented. The recommendations will assist in minimizing further distress and unnecessary frustration to already stressed individuals, families and communities and will help in building stronger, vibrant more resilient communities.

* 4 Reference Page 95 Royal Commission section Relief and Recovery

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Key Recommendations

Many of the solutions, reasoning’s and issues raised sit beneath the following key recommendations –

1. Improved definition of Major & Minor Disasters at each Government level including the process of assessment and implementation...

Reasoning - There is no clear definition of what constitutes a major or minor disaster and at what stage a National, State or Local Emergency should or would be declared and the assessment process. 2. Change legislation so that when the Federal Government declares a National Disaster they will undertake the role of coordinating Response and Recovery. This would include the Federal Governments being inclusive of State and Local Government in the decision making process. (This declaration by the Federal Government would not and should not preclude State Governments and Territories from requesting Federal Government assistance and support in times of disaster.)

Reasoning - Communities believe a major disaster should include discussions with ALL levels of governments, discussions that should be led and coordinated by the Federal Government. There was a feeling of confidence in Defence Personnel assisting in the response and relief role. The 2009 Bushfire affected communities could not understand why the State Government did not declare a *State of Disaster as the Federal Government had declared a National Disaster. On many occasions the question was raised why the State Government of Victoria didn’t declare a State of Disaster after the 2009 bushfires as communities believed a better system would have been implemented than the one they had. The communities were not provided with an answer leaving them with little confidence in the performance of the State Government with the question remaining ‘would this have improved the systems of recovery’?

3. Governments must follow their own Emergency Planning and Recovery Provisions they need to ensure experienced and professional people are part of the team as they can provide past on ground knowledge and experience.

Reasoning – The 2009 bushfire affected community while not fully understanding emergency guidelines believed the State Government did not follow a path that aligned with the government’s policies of response and recovery. They also believed that while governments and departments listened they never actively heard the main issues or solutions provided by the communities. There is a strong perception that meetings and community consultation was given lip service as the bureaucratic minds were already made up on what would be implemented.

4. Develop a guiding template at Local State and Federal levels plotting immediate, short and long term requirements after disaster. This should include community education/participation with plans developed for short, medium and long term health.

Reasoning - Communities want to know the basic process before and after a disaster, especially major disasters. There is also the belief that Governments should provide a simple outline on the role and actions they are responsible for. The development of a guiding template, for use after a disaster, would provide communities with an understanding of what may be envisaged and what role they have, particularly in the roles of preparation, planning and recovery. (Work is required to develop this guiding template, with Local Governments developing these within their emergency management plans, with response and recovery being better aligned.)

*Reference Page 95 – Confirmation that the Minister should have raised this option was a finding of the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission

5. One designated Authority with Legislative power to undertake the reconstruction and recovery.

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Reasoning – If Governments are going to implement ‘One Authority” to undertake the recovery

then use the legislative powers provided. The Victorian Bushfire Recovery Reconstruction Authority became yet another layer of bureaucracy instead of being a ‘One Stop Shop’. They had no independent power or authority and were required to go back to the government for decisions and funding which caused delays, disputes and confusion. An authority even though it is constituted by the government, that does not have legislative power, will not obtain the recognition or respect it justifiably deserves or allow it to expedite its duties in a timely manner.

6. State Government Legislation should be developed stating Local Governments who have more than 20% damage and/or injury will be supported by the appointment of an administrative recovery body and will not undertake a decision making role in the recovery.

Reasoning – In the instance of Murrindindi Shire there were numerous complaints on how Council dealt, and continues to deal with the recovery, when over 40% of the area was directly impacted upon by fire with another 20% threatened for several weeks. Communities saw delays and changes of decisions, a lack of decision making and non inclusive meetings to the extent petitions were put forward asking the State Government to remove the CEO and the Council (it is understood requests are still being made to have council removed). There is a strong belief officer’s and Councillor’s should not have been placed in the position as decision makers given the extent of destruction to the shire.

7. Implement Community Advisory Committee’s (CAC’s) that would be utilised in building community connections, i.e.: education programs providing the connection to Governments, Out of the CAC’s an Advisory group should be formed which would assist in the development of guiding templates for community awareness, response and recovery to Local Government Emergency Management Committees.

Reasoning – Communities are, in the main, the first on the ground after a disaster, therefore they need to be part of the planning process in developing awareness, preparedness, response and recovery plans. This concept is in line with the Federal Government’s principles of building resilient communities.

8. Community Recovery Committee’s (CRC’s) need improved Terms of Reference, governance rules and priorities for reinstatement of assets.

Reasoning – While a number of CRC’s worked ok definitions and priorities of work would have been extremely valuable. It appears the CRC’s that worked well had a structure that utilised individuals from existing community group’s pre fires. From time to time membership on the CRC’s changed as members felt they had provided what they were able to allowing emerging leaders and individuals to take their position.

9. Acknowledge current and emerging community leaders and volunteers providing them with ongoing support.

Reasoning – Community members are

first on the ground helping and assisting others. In the majority, if not all instances, existing and emerging leaders were not acknowledged; they were disregarded, maligned or quashed.

There were many instances of governments not acknowledging or working with the community members who set up and ran relief centres. In a several cases particular governments either removed, tried to remove or by passed these hard working community

members. Over time leaders come and go and this should be accepted with flexibility inbuilt within the system. 10. Governments should not and must not make promises they cannot keep.

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Reasoning - Communities were told they would receive building services, support mechanisms

and their rebuilding would be simple. In reality a number of proposed facilities were not built and rebuilding became complicated due to ‘Red Tape’. 11. Develop a ‘Triage’ system that will identify/monitor the health and well being of individuals, families and communities within 24 hours of a disaster. Reasoning - There is a need for long term communication and support which will assist those with short medium and long term mental health issues. Evidence from clinical psychologists provides confirmation of the long term need for health and well being. It is not just about providing awareness of the phases of trauma and what to expect. Systems must be developed that will support and minimise the effects of trauma at every stage. 12. Establish a fund that will provide essential community needs in the immediate to short term. E.g. Bottled water, toiletries, towels sheets and blankets. (Donated money could be included as part of this system.)

Reasoning - Communities can and are in the position of helping themselves. There is no

system of ‘Petty Cash’ which will assist them get the essential needs at a local level helping local business that are able to trade. Vouchers are a good way of keeping local businesses running if they are able. This also provides the community with the ability to resolve petty cash purchases quickly.

13. Improved, simple and inclusive systems of Communication.

Reasoning – People who have suffered trauma do not comprehend all that is said or written. They need simple messages in particular written information that they can take home and read through. They also need timely information. Gossip travels faster than the truth and rumour and innuendo should be dealt with as quickly as possible. 14 Families and individuals need to be re connected with their land and community as soon as possible. Reasoning – For those in areas where Coronial Orders did not allow survivors to return to their property, creating another layer of distress. While it is understood why the Orders were required, people felt disconnected with their home and community. If they cannot return permanently they want to visit their home site and town on a regular basis. Temporary Villages were appreciated but given the opportunity there was a preference of an option of a temporary dwelling, where it was physically possible, which could be leased on their own land. Many people preferred caravans, tents and sheds rather than living in a Temporary Village. There should be different options and opportunities available for temporary accommodation. 15. A Co-coordinating body for Government, Non-Government and Volunteer services. Reasoning – A vast number of helpers assist communities and on many occasions their work is duplicated. With one co-coordinating body meeting regularly with service providers and volunteers it will minimise duplication and maximise services to the community. 16. Equitable distribution of donated funds, individual and family rebuilding needs to include outdoor structures, gardens and financial hardship should be addressed before funding any community assets. Reasoning – Past disasters show it takes approximately 5- 8 years, for communities’ families and individuals to create a new normality. Funding, including donated funds, should be spread across these years, taking into account individual circumstances which will assist in the rebuilding of lives.

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Methodology In obtaining the information and recommendations we conducted a number of community discussion groups, individual interviews and comments including those from the business sector across areas affected by drought, bushfire, flood, cyclone and earthquake. A number of communities across Australia as well as Victoria were involved. They include – Toodyay -Western Australia, Helidon & Grantham-Queensland, Canberra - Australian Capital Territory, Alexandra, Buxton, Clonbinane Diamond Creek, Eagle Hawke, Flowerdale, Glenburn, Kinglake, Kinglake West, Marysville, Pheasant Creek, Sunday Creek Wandong, and Yea Victoria – Christchurch New Zealand. The discussion groups, interviews and general comments included into the thousands of people. The discussions captured, in a number of cases, were turned from the negative to the positive with the communities providing solutions to the vast array of issues raised. Those who attended the ‘discussion groups’ said they felt empowered and that the sessions were therapeutic as they came to the realisation they were helping themselves and others. Our findings take a ‘Diagonal Slice’ of the market (views of the majority) that indicates communities have many of the answers on their own recovery. These solutions will assist individuals, families and communities in how they can be aware, how they can be prepared to respond and how they can recover to the best of their ability. In gaining comment we put forward three questions –

1. What has and is working well for your recovery? 2. What needs to be improved and how? 3. What key messages would you provide for future communities to help them be prepared

and assist themselves in their recovery?

These basic questions teased out many of the issues faced not only by communities but also emergency service volunteers. It should be noted the ‘Government Systems’ and the effectiveness of those systems in assisting those in recovery has been strongly questioned. Our discussions, traverse many, many years of knowledge, and experience covering several disasters; drought, fire, floods, cyclones and earthquake. Information from Local Government Drought Committees such as the Municipal Association of Victoria, Goulburn River Drought Committee and Murrindindi Shire Drought, Municipal Emergency Management Planning committees are all included in the recommendations and Appendices. Our research provides ‘grass roots knowledge’ of a number of Australian disaster events establishing guidance and recommendations for all major or minor disasters to empower and build more resilient communities.

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Background – Part 2

February the 7th, 2009, known as Black Saturday, will go down in history as the worst Bush Fire disaster in Australians history. The events of that day affected those from near and far as they expressed feelings of disbelief, shock and distress. For many communities member’s time has gone by either quickly or in slow motion. Through all of this there have been amazing stories of courage strength and hope. With anything we do, it is beneficial to look back and record the invaluable lessons. These lessons then form part of our new planning arrangements. This knowledge and experience is then dissected with decisions made on what is best implemented to benefit individuals, families and communities now and in the future. It is understand that whatever occurs in life mistakes will be made. What is important is what we learn by and from those mistakes putting actions into place minimising adverse future impacts. Let us not make the same unnecessary mistakes next time. We must provide those now and in the future the best information we can for their recovery journey. We must not allow ourselves to go down the path of a ‘blame game’ this is a futile exercise. We need to ensure ‘defence barriers’ are lifted when it appears criticism is being handed out. Improved systems come out of constructive criticism turning words into actions. It is important to say ‘systems can be improved’ we don’t have to accept what isn’t working and we have to ensure they work to their optimum. We now have the opportunity to embrace the many changes that need to take place. In the majority of cases in any emergency community members are most likely to be the first on the ground helping. Their experience provides valuable information in all phases of a disaster: awareness, preparation, planning, response and recovery.

Communities can and do help themselves prepare prior to any situation or disaster and they can and must take control of their recovery. What they require are the tools, support and advice that will assist them in their recovery. The development of a Guiding Templates that could be utilized in future disasters or even community engagement was seen to be just one of the benefits of improved systems. We understand the Federal Government has formed a

National Emergency Management Committee that is looking at how future disasters and the recovery process can be managed. We believe our research will provide an insight into community thinking which will be valuable to all levels of Government and the emergency services. We believe the community comments compliment the work undertaken by the Federal Government on building our nations, resilience to disaster. The *National Strategy for Disaster Resilience will assist in the strategy for building community resilience * Reference Page 100 National Principles of Recovery 2009

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The *1Royal Commission into the 2009 Bushfires in Victoria Australia, only dealt with the response to the fires it did not look at the recovery process even though it was raised and seen by the community as an integral part of the disaster. It should be noted that a number of the 64 recommendations from the Royal Commission have been implemented some of them, such as ‘Bushfire Area’ Signs with little thought to the psychological impact on the affected communities. Through all the ups and downs communities are endeavouring to get on with their lives. The recovery process has been and will always be different for everyone. Some have been able to cope while others face a slow process of one day at a time as each day brings new challenges and changes. For many individuals, families and communities life will never be the same again. What must be created for many is a new and perhaps different lifestyle. What is vitally important is for the majority to feel that they are being supported by their leaders at ALL levels, Local through to Federal Government, as they provide the community with the support they need, NOT false hopes and promises. Communities need to know party politics will be put aside so that the recovery of the community remains the highest priority. With the arrival of government politicians and dignitaries promises are made and very disappointingly many of these promises are often broken or see long delays. Individual, family and community recovery is underpinned by the ability that individuals, families and communities believe they are being supported, enabling them to work through the process of grieving and trauma at their own

pace. *2

Clinical Physiologists can

inform them about what may be their future and all that can be hoped is that that future will be better each day. What appears to occur is an acceptance by authorities and bodies that this process of recovery from a clinical perspective is in the realm of ‘normal’. There appears to be little if any work in minimising the affects of the many phases of trauma which would assist in negating that rollercoaster ride. Improved systems would assist in averting the long steep dips during the ride. Leaders in the community must be truthful, honest and constructive providing not only hope but an active listening ear.

Media play an important role in the recovery stage and must have a constant stream of factual information and regular updates. Incorrect information rumours and gossip spread quickly. Correct and timely information is a must to minimise negative consequences and instead, optimize community perceptions. There is also a view the media were and are

being ‘gagged’ by the bureaucrats/politicians as they were told to provide a majority of good news stories rather than the bigger picture. *1 Reference Page 100 *2 Reference Dr Rob Gordon Page 100

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Where large geographic areas are impacted, a system of dividing the area into smaller sectors was felt to be most appropriate. By breaking these down into smaller geographic areas the response to those areas can be maximised meeting the needs of each community. They want this to be acknowledged and recognized in the recovery process. The location of relief centres and the role these play in bringing communities together is vitally important. Communities identify with their own geographic area and at a time when they are in distress they need that distress minimized. They draw strength and comfort with those they know. Unfamiliar faces may place unnecessary stress on them at a time when they require as little change as possible after what they have had to contend with. There was a huge impact on businesses who felt they got little assistance from any level of government. While there were many volunteers available it seems few were on offer to businesses that could operate and they had extreme difficulty in meeting staffing requirements.

Immediate access by relief centres to funds which would help communities in the aftermath was seen to be vital. Communities need not only to feel they are in control of much of their community life, it needs to be seen in actions from those ‘in charge’.

It is not totally realised by the Emergency Services that response is the beginning of recovery. How the services respond is a determining factor on a positive recovery.

Enquiries and Royal Commissions do little to comfort those who have lost loved ones, homes, pets and stock. They will never change what has occurred. However they can provide assurance that the lessons learned and the actions necessary to assist the authorities, communities, families and individuals to plan and prepare for their safety have been documented and made available to relevant authorities and groups. The confidence for the future only comes when the lessons of the past are implemented. Most Inquiries and Royal Commissions focus on what occurred prior to and in responding to a disaster they do not cover the process of recovery which is just as, if not more important than the event.

While the days and weeks that follow a disaster, community/communities support each other with an enormous amount of strength and courage. The overwhelming outside support adds hope to this strength and courage providing the comfort of not being alone.

Many communities do not want to go down the road of a ‘blame game’ as it is not constructive. They do however lay blame at the feet of those who have ignored the constant pleas of how the support and assistance provided to them could and should be improved. If this was taken on board then the finger of blame will not be deservedly be pointed.

If we are to learn for the future then we must learn from the past and follow the principles of recovery outlined at a *National level and the *Victorian Bushfire Recovery and Reconstruction documents. These principles provide clear guidelines for recovery and are consistent with the feelings expressed by the community.

It is realised there are many different points of views in the community. The representatives to the three tiers of Governments are elected to represent the community’s views, take them into account, apply appropriate legislation as required, and then make decisions which should include an explanation to the community on the reasoning behind those decisions. All of this should be basic common sense. From the comments received, the government systems let the community down.

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Specific Issues raised in Murrindindi Shire

The destruction from the fires in Victoria was huge with Murrindindi Shire experiencing approximately more than 40% of the Shire directly impacted by fire and another 15% threatened for several weeks. The community comments in this instance are unequivocal ‘NO’ Council could have or should have been expected to undertake its own recovery under these conditions or circumstances. It was the a general view in the Murrindindi community that Council should have been set aside to undertake only the day to day management of Council, providing advice to an administrator who should have undertake the recovery. (This comment was backed up by 2 petitions to Government asking for Council to be removed.) The community reasoning behind this view was as a result of the action or rather lack of action and decision making by the Council. This unnecessarily delayed the recovery of the community adding further distress, frustration and anger to their road of recovery. The offers of assistance from other Municipalities to Murrindindi Council were overwhelming. Sadly, for reasons unknown, it appears many of these offers were not taken up; something that became obvious to community which let to a lack of confidence in their Council’s ability to respond to their recovery. * State Legislation with regard to response and recovery to emergencies is very clear. If it is beyond the capacity of the Municipality to respond and recover, then it becomes a Regional response and recovery. If it is beyond the region then it becomes a State responsibility. If it is beyond the State Government, then the State via the Chief Commissioner of Police requests assistance from the Federal Government. This disaster was declared a National Disaster by the Federal Government. The question asked is why didn’t the State Government declare a State Disaster? * State of Victoria Recovery Plan Page 95

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General Comments

While the community may not be aware of a number of emergency management process they are aware of what they believe should have occurred. It appears to them that the chain of command and due process did not appear to take place. It appears appropriate planning arrangements were not implemented instead it is understood an agreement was made between the State and Federal Governments that the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction Recovery Authority (VBRRA) be set up, one that had no legislative power. It is believed that much of the VBRRA model was adopted by the Queensland Government after their floods and cyclones. It appears that much of the frustration and anger that now exists in many of the communities is due to the lack of active listening and inclusion of the community in their own recovery. And, that the Governments did not follow their own process, which includes preparation and warning systems, prior to the events.

The aftermath of disaster is extremely traumatic. Every endeavour must be made to take actions and measures that will minimise the duration of the effects of the disaster, creating more resilient communities. Communities look to governments and emergency services for support and advice on how to move forward and most of all for ‘Hope’ for their future. The categories of disasters can be seen as minor, major and catastrophic. The impact on the population is a major component when assessing these categories. While different disasters require different responses it needs to be realised the impact from those disasters is very much the same within the community.

Guiding Templates need to be developed. These templates will provide authorities and communities with a systematic approach that can be readily accessed and understood beginning at the grass roots level via Local Government Emergency Management and Recovery Plans. *Anecdotal community perceptions from world disasters show similar circumstances occur with the belief that Governments do not listen to the real needs of the community with party politics and/or internal politicking dictating outcomes. It is vital to look back in history, mapping disasters using an overlay system and identifying the impacts onto current and projected population growth. This would assist in determining the likely events so that individuals, families and communities can prepare, as best they can, for their response and recovery. The recommendations contained in this document can and must be taken further into actions that will provide positive outcomes for awareness preparation response and recovery, creating stronger more resilient communities. We do not state they will remove all of the issues that may arise as after any disaster there are different and varying requirements for the individual and diverse communities. What they will do is provide a foundation for improved systems. * Reference Page 95 BBC Japanese Earthquake, Hudson River air crash,

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Recommendations and Analysis (In order of priority in response to the question) Question 1 - What worked well?

Strengthened community relationships – self organising, previously unknown leaders came to the fore

Army and Emergency services response was appreciated

Gaps filled by locals, including local radio – locals become aware of what is needed, they can then use their networks to get it

Local Knowledge – Physical locations with local focus in each community, skilled locals stepped forward, hand held radio’s

Case management system

Quick response from Telstra SPC Ausnet, DHS, Centrelink, VicRoads, & local medical support

People with credibility made timely decisions with access to them appreciated

Agencies talking to each other (net working)

Collaboration with corporate

Community Dining and animal welfare

Temporary accommodation and villages

Tag system, Blue Card ID was good – although it needed to be refined

Grocon clean up

Door knocking by emergency services Community emergency Response Team and CFA

2 Daily meetings

Key person to control

Community Consultation

Drawing on existing networks – including utilizing those who have previous knowledge and experience

Management skills of the CFA was good

Volume of donations really appreciated

Community register developed by locals for those living within the area

Initial Personal contact with survivors

Consistency of volunteers, familiar faces when survivors come to the relief centres

Business Network Question 2 – What needs to be improved?

Emergency response plans to include/involve local knowledge/services and information be available for the community (e.g. local community plan) –education which includes, awareness, preparation, response & recovery

Local Government to communicate to communities the possible major threats and responses required ( community education) and at what stage a Municipality will be responsible for recovery

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Community social events valued, this along with mental health issues need to be ongoing, develop long term plans

Co-operation between ALL relief centres with equal recognition and support by authorities of the centres ( includes those set up by communities) with a structure and process developed for closure

Each level of governments Emergency Response/Recovery Plans to be on their websites

Declaring a State Disaster

Timely and improved communication systems

Privacy Laws are a barrier for provision of information and keeping communities connected

Funding, including donated money, must be transparent and equitable at all levels, with local pool of money available immediately for community use, develop a better system for handing out donations and a Petty Cash system

A structure to be developed and put in place that will assist in building community confidence, especially to rebuild confidence in government

Case Managers Trained for the future

Competent Leadership from Local, State & Federal Government,

Develop a Manual of procedures for recovery plans with recovery plans reviewed now –

NO Municipal Boundaries just communities, improve relationship between governments and communities at every level of government

Blue and ID Card needs refining

Recognition by authorities of local expertise

Co-ordination to register and delivery goods to relief centres

More support for community initiatives

Keep the promises – if you can’t deliver don’t say it

External Volunteers should be appropriately matched with local volunteers so they understand the needs of that particular community

External Volunteers & co-opted workers were not fully equipped or supported as to the extent of the disaster and the response as they had difficulty coping

Cross boundary emergency and recovery planning – integrating municipal neighbours into Local Government Emergency Management Plan’s

Communication to the general public that Donated items must be in good condition not damaged or soiled

Information provided at relief centers on available grants and what services will be paid for and who will pay for them

Army to work with community and local networks

Early checks of all premises with the provision of service to those who are unable to assist themselves e.g. grocery drops, first aid checks

Council should not expect staff to carry on regardless when they are traumatized -

More Transparency – who does what on an ongoing basis

More direct clarity of entry to supports/services

Council response to be more open to offers

Delegating responsibility to expert service providers at all levels.

Proper briefing for new volunteers/workers

Proper handover at changeover of teams

Development of plans for the tidal wave of donations from day 1

Coordination of donations so unwanted goods can be transferred and messages sent out for actual needs

Programmed communication about recovery

Where possible use Local Police and Backfill with interstate Police

Reporting Services too slow to act

Financial/support for employees

EMPLOY locals first!! At all levels of Government and Authorities

Incentives for locals to have fire equipment

Duty of care/legal liability/ OHS needs umbrella coverage

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Include childcare and animal welfare as part of emergency plans

Recognition of cultural requirements

Question 3 – What Key messages would you provide to a community who may find themselves in a similar situation (heaven forbid?)

Emergency Managers to be trained available and located at local levels not in city centres. They need to recognise one size does not fit all and everyone needs to be providing the same message

Co ordination of services (Case managers included) and volunteers if possible continuity of faces, and don’t overload them

Develop guiding templates on clear/known lines and means of communication with the

provision of information on – Accommodation, Power supply, food/water, fuel and communication internal and external between agencies, departments, governments, community

Develop a bank of pre trained volunteer coordinators in preparedness – this would sit under the Local Government emergency response and recovery plans with a Guiding Template developed that would include evacuation of elderly

All external support e.g. Not for profit, government departments, that work with local volunteers/ agencies need to acknowledge local knowledge and expertise, working with locals and treating everyone as equals -

Identify community leaders – pre disaster, new and emerging and support them

Volunteers must be debriefed and formally acknowledged for their work and thanked

Local Community Disaster cash fund available

PLAN, PLAN, PLAN as much as possible before during and after including community education

Handover between staff and teams every level

Attend as many meetings as possible and support local initiatives with on ground actions

Detailed Local Plans reviewed as required- Preplan Hubs/meetings/meals

Support each other use friendships and local networks, Ensure welfare checks are undertaken

Develop temporary transport arrangements

(Comments from Darwin’s experience in Cyclone Tracy) Ignore big organization, stay away from Local Government

Not for Profit organization must be registered and have credibility

Registration and coordination of volunteers

Question 4 – What do you believe will help you and your community feel safe this fire season

Empower yourself, mental health issues are a priority

Communication - Provision of timely accurate dissemination of information

Develop Local Community Emergency Plans

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Constituted Community Recovery Committee’s where possible using members of existing community committee’s

Better models for disseminating information, communication –safer mates : volunteers supporting survivors

Insert into emergency response and recovery plans contacts –names, phone numbers, of known Fire flood drought and cyclone experts

Recognition in emergency plans that Locals including adjoining communities are quickest to respond

Coordinated Central control multilayered approach to everything

Levels of emergency warning systems known

Community Safe spaces developed with an understanding of what they are for and that they are known and supported

Forming relationships with neighbours prior to a disaster

No Political point scoring or power plays, ego’s are to be left at the door

Authorities including emergency services, implement/enforce recovery plans/strategies/actions

Develop a Simplified Grant applications process

Have flexible systems

Mature relationships between all levels of Government

Any Recovery Reconstruction authority needs to have Statutory powers

Mandatory Education Pack for new residents

Libraries to have preparation material on likely disasters including local government emergency plans for response and recovery

Develop Local Community Plans; extension of the Fire Guard program etc. More pro-active and responsive shire when complaints are made regarding fuel loads

Full time fire protection officer

Manageable roadside clearing – no don’t remove all the trees but remove stumps and objects so that locals can maintain the roadside better

Form a community data base that includes skills matched to volunteers, community

Community gathering spaces and supplies

*Develop an individual/household survivor pack

Big picture emergency telecommunication response covering black spot areas – TV, radio, internet etc, with non affected communities assisting with communication networks including across municipal boundaries

Provide Vouchers so people can purchase locally

No Competitions for services between towns

Option for accommodation on residents own property where physically possible

Utilize the media better The GAPS

Initial Command and control must be decisive with the development of a parallel process that will assist communities in building their own recovery as Mental Health is long term issue. Develop short, medium and long term process and implementation plan that includes Mediators in communities to minimise splintering. Develop plans to keep communities connected. Entrust communities to help themselves People were passionate about making the information they provided to the workshops count and felt they were therapeutic. It takes a long time for people to recover and they recover at their own pace which can take years, there is no timeframe.

* refer to Appendices Page 50 Eagle Hawke notes with suggestions of what could be in the pack

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Recommendations (1-16 from executive summary)

1. Improved definition of Major & Minor Disasters at each Government level including the process of assessment and implementation... Reasoning - There is no clear definition of what constitutes a major or minor disaster and at what stage a National, State or Local Emergency should or would be declared and the assessment process. 2. Change legislation so that when the Federal Government declares a National Disaster they will undertake the role of coordinating Response and Recovery. This would include the Federal Governments being inclusive of State and Local Government in the decision making process. (This declaration by the Federal Government would not and should not preclude State Governments and Territories from requesting Federal Government assistance and support in times of disaster.) Reasoning - Communities believe a major disaster should include discussions with ALL levels of governments, discussions that should be lead and coordinated by the Federal Government. There was a feeling of confidence in Defence Personnel assisting in the response and relief role. The 2009 Bushfire affected communities could not understand why the State Government did not declare a *State of Disaster as the Federal Government had declared a National Disaster. On many occasions the question was raised why the State Government of Victoria didn’t declare a State of Disaster after the 2009 bushfires as communities believed a better system would have been implemented than the one they had. The communities were not provided with an answer leaving them with little confidence in the performance of the State Government with the question remaining ‘would this have improved the systems of recovery’? 3. Governments must follow their own Emergency Planning and Recovery Provisions they need to ensure experienced and professional people are part of the team as they can provide past on ground knowledge and experience. Reasoning - The 2009 bushfire affected community while not fully understanding emergency

guidelines believed the State Government did not follow a path that aligned with the government’s policies of response and recovery. They also believed that while governments and departments listened they never actively heard the main issues or solutions provided by the communities. There is a strong perception that meetings and community consultation was given lip service as the bureaucratic minds were already made up on what would be implemented. 4. Develop a guiding template at Local State and Federal levels plotting immediate, short and long term requirements after disaster. This should include community education and community health and wellbeing plans. Reasoning - Communities want to know the basic process after major disasters. They also believe Municipalities should provide a simple outline on the role and actions they are responsible for. The development of a guiding template, for use after a disaster, would give communities an understanding of what may be envisaged and what role they have, in particular community expectation in preparation, planning and recovery. This guiding template would outline a proposed course of action for the immediate, short and long term needs. (Further work is required to develop this guiding template) 5. Implement Community Advisory Committee’s (CAC’s) that would be utilised in building community connections, education programs and provide the connection to Governments. Out of the CAC’s an Advisory group should be formed which would assist in the development of guiding templates for community awareness, response and recovery to Municipalities Emergency Management Committees. *Reference Page 95 Vic Bushfire Royal Commission Website

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Reasoning – Communities are, in the main, the first on the ground after a disaster therefore

they need to be part of the planning process in developing awareness, preparedness, response and recovery plans. This concept is in line with the Federal Governments principles of building resilient communities. 6. One Authority with Legislative power to undertake the reconstruction and recovery. Reasoning – The Victorian Bushfire Recovery Reconstruction Authority instead of being a ‘One Stop Shop’ became another layer of bureaucracy. They had little independent power or authority and were required to go back to the government for major decisions and funding which caused delays, disputes and confusion. An authority, even though it is constituted by the government, that does not have legislative power will not obtain the recognition and respect it justifiably deserves. 7. Legislation should be developed stating Local Governments who have more than 20% of damage and/or injury will provide support and advice to an appointed administrative recovery body and will not undertake a decision making role in the recovery. Reasoning – In the instance of Murrindindi Shire there were numerous complaints on how Council dealt and continues to deal with the recovery when over 40% of the area was directly impacted upon. Communities saw delays and changes of decisions, a lack of decision making and non inclusive meetings to the extent petitions were put forward asking the State Government to remove Council (it is understood requests are still being made to have council removed). There is a strong belief officer’s and Councillor’s should not have been placed in the position as decision makers. 8. Community Recovery Committee’s (CRC’s) need improved Terms of Reference, Governance rules and Priorities for reinstatement of assets. Reasoning – While a number of CRC’s worked ok definitions and priorities of work would have been extremely valuable. It appears the CRC’s that worked well had a structure that utilised individuals from existing community group’s pre-fires. From time to time membership on the CRC’s changed as members felt they have provided what they were able to allowing emerging leaders and individuals to take their position. 9. Acknowledge current and emerging community leaders and volunteers providing them with ongoing support. Reasoning – Community members are first on the ground helping and assisting others. In the majority, if not all instances, existing and emerging leaders were not acknowledged; they were disregarded, maligned or quashed. There were many instances of governments not recognising or acknowledging the community members who set up and ran relief centres. In a several cases particular governments removed, tried to remove, or bypassed these hard working community members. Over time leaders come and go and this should be accepted with flexibility inbuilt within the system. 10. Governments should not and must not make promises they cannot keep. Reasoning - Communities were told they would receive building services, support mechanisms and their rebuilding would be simple. In reality a number of proposed facilities were not built and rebuilding became complicated due to ‘Red Tape’. 11. Develop a ‘Triage’ system that will identify/monitor the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities. Reasoning - There is a need for long term communication and support which will assist those with short medium and long term mental health issues. Evidence from clinical psychologists provides evidence of the long term need for health and well being. It is not just about providing

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awareness of the phases of trauma and what to expect. Systems must be developed that will support and minimize the affects of trauma at every stage. Further work needs to be done in this area. 12. Establish a fund that will provide essential community needs in the immediate to short term. Reasoning - Communities can and are in the position of helping themselves. There is no system of ‘Petty Cash’ which will assist them get the essential needs at local level helping local businesses that are able to trade. This also provides the community with the ability to resolve petty cash purchases quickly. 13. Improved, simple and inclusive systems of Communication. Reasoning – People who have suffered trauma do not comprehend all that is said or written. They need simple messages in particular written information that they can take home and read through. They also need timely information. Gossip travels faster than the truth. Rumour and innuendo should be dealt with as quickly as possible. 14 Families and individuals need to be re connected with their land and community as soon as possible.

Reasoning – For those in areas where Coronial Orders did not allow them to return to their

property creating another layer of distress. While it is understood why the Orders were required, people felt disconnected with their home and community. If they cannot return permanently they want to visit their home site and town on a regular basis. Temporary Villages were appreciated but given the opportunity there was a preference of an option (where physically possible) of a temporary dwelling, (which could be leased) on their own land. Many people preferred caravans, tents and sheds rather than live in a Temporary Village. There should be different options and opportunities available for housing.

15. A Co-coordinating body for Government, Non-Government and Volunteer services. Reasoning – A vast number of helpers assist communities and on many occasions their work is duplicated. With one co-coordinating body meeting regularly with service providers and volunteers it will minimise duplication and maximise services to the community. 16. Equitable distribution of donated funds, individual and family rebuilding needs to include outdoor structures, gardens and financial hardship before any community assets are funded. Reasoning – Past disasters show it takes approximately 5- 8 years, for communities’ families and individuals to create a new normality. Funding, including donated funds, should be spread across these years taking into account individual circumstances which will assist in the rebuilding of lives.

17. Recommendation - Recovery Plan needs to be very clear and should be aligned to response actions as required. 18. Recommendation – Develop a template that will act as a guide for priority actions which will include the first 24 – 48 hours of a disaster and in the weeks that follow. * Reference Page 95 to Principles of Recovery and VBRRA principles and how they need to better align the words into Practice.

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19. Recommendation – Develop an easy to read information pamphlet on pre and post

emergency management and recovery process. 20. Recommendation – Flexible housing options, which include temporary villages, availability of onsite accommodation. 21. Recommendation – Repair or provide Temporary Facilities of existing essential infrastructure along with urgent temporary community services. Set this as a high priority. 22. Recommendation – Assess business requirements to keep the local economy viable. 23. Recommendation – Development of a fund that will provide community with funds for Petty Cash for immediate community needs. 24. Recommendation - Whenever possible the utilisation of members from pre fire existing community groups should be paramount. Current members of these groups should be given the option to provide a member to the CRC if they are in the position to do so. If not then they should provide advice/information to the CRC’s on a regular basis as current knowledge and experience should not be pushed aside. A Sub committee structure could be used within the CRC’s utilising the skills of community members for particular projects. This should be an essential component of CRC’s. Specific role descriptions should be provided to the CRC’s along with governance accountability, code of conduct, with high priority instructions for the rebuilding of public services and infrastructure, community health, business rebuilding and finally a wish list of what else the community may need in its recovery High Priority needs example - Provision of Utilities – Water, Power, Telephone, Gas, Fuel (for Emergency services and locals), and Generators may be required depending on reconnection of power Essential Services – Health Services, including Maternal Health Services and Mental Health Counsellors, permanent Fuel supply, water for those on tanks, transport, food supplies List what Public services have been lost e.g. schools, kindergartens, maternal health, day care, family care, home help, and community/neighbourhood house Impact on local business and tourism 25. Recommendation – Develop a Priority and Action Plan for temporary, medium to long term plans for rebuilding. In rebuilding these services ensure current locations are the most suitable site. If they are, then get the rebuilding going as quickly as possible. If the facility needs to be relocated then it is essential that an action plan be developed including a timeframe inclusive of community consultation. Communities were told there was an opportunity for improved township structure and location of services. Sadly we have seen lost opportunities for improved social development in a number of townships. 26. Recommendation – Words need to be put into action as the opportunity to redevelop community assets and services to more suitable locations within a town should be carried out. Planning Response and Recovery for Emergencies Prior to a disaster most communities have little if any idea of what to expect of the emergency process at a Local, State or Federal level. There is some comprehension that there are some sort of ‘Plans’ but what they are and how they operate is something they feel they need to be aware of prior to a

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disaster occurs. There are two views that must be considered – I don’t really have to know it all just happens and why didn’t I know and why wasn’t I made aware of in my own recovery, As communities become complacent it is important to provide information on an annual basis. Communities are requesting a simplified document on the role of Council’s Municipal Emergency Management Committee through the provision of a pamphlet on the role of the committee including the high to medium threats to the shire and the basics of Control and Command e.g. fire on private land responsible agency , public land , co coordinator for all emergencies Police. (Check with your State or Territory emergency plans) A guiding template that will assist individuals and families on what they need to be aware of so they can prepare and respond to an emergency situation.

The development of a guiding template for community recovery should include –information on potential disasters

How best to prepare for them After the disaster information should include

Dangerous materials and the provision of protective clothing at house sites.

What are Coronial Orders and what do they mean? Provision of information as to where to go for advice and information, e.g.

Drought – Department Of Primary Industries, Rural Counselling Service, Municipalities, and State & Federal Business and Tourism Sector

Flood – Municipality, Victoria State Emergency Service and Catchment Management Authorities State & Federal Business and Tourism Sector

Cyclones – Victoria State Emergency Service, Governments

Fires – Fire Services, Accommodation Options While Temporary Villages are an option, flat pack housing on individual sites would allow communities to be on their own house site, (if it is big enough), giving them the opportunity to remain on their own land to allow for rebuilding of their own home. This will allow residents the opportunity to remain on their own property. Flexible housing options, which include temporary villages, or availability of onsite accommodation. Human Impact We are seeing a roller coaster of emotions - while stages of mental health issues are identified* the frustration and anger goes beyond the usual levels due to the compounding effect of unnecessary layers of bureaucracy. Communities need certainty, assurance and hope from their leaders. Some of this unnecessary distress is as a result of ‘Red Tape and bureaucrats not actively listening. Communities felt the existing damaged or destroyed essential infrastructure should have been repaired or temporary accommodation provided with the rebuild being a high priority. These should have been provided before any additional assets were established. Community ‘Wish Lists’ should remain last on the agenda unless they are considered to be an essential service. It takes many years, if not a lifetime, to come to terms with a disaster and systems need take this into account. Relationships between partners, children, families, friends and neighbours becomes strained and taxed with breakdowns occurring. Further research that will assist in developing process to minimise the impact should be undertaken.

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Communication It seems communication will always be an issue. While there was some fantastic work being sent and received there is room for improvement. It seems that a major issue was not enough of the correct information going out soon enough or in a simple format. There was an appreciation that newsletters were available but mainly electronically. It needed to be realised by the senders that many in the community did not have computers or access to computers and even if they did it was not a priority or it was another burden. Hard copy was and is the best method of providing information. The messages need to be kept simple and only a few sentences. A list of contacts was overwhelmingly accepted as the key information on the sheets. Those not living within the area should also be sent the information to help them keep informed but most importantly for them to feel part of the community so their connections with the community are not lost while they decide where their future is. Local radio was also another great way of getting information and messages out. Communities really appreciated the ongoing effort of volunteer community radio people who kept them up to date with what was happening. Communities felt the existing damaged or destroyed essential infrastructure should have been repaired or temporary accommodation provided with the rebuild being a high priority. These should have been provided before any additional assets were established. Community ‘Wish Lists’ should remain last on the agenda unless they are considered to be an essential service.

Business Assistance

An assessment of business activity as soon as practical will help the local economy to recover. While relief centres can assist greatly, initially there needs to be a flexible system that assists those businesses who are able to operate to open up as quickly as possible. Vouchers for the procurement of goods locally to keep the local economy going should be assessed and organized quickly and efficiently.

Assessing business requirements to keep the local economy viable is vital. Discussions are required as soon as practicable about the provision of a voucher system that will assist/support communities to purchase locally if businesses are open. * Reference Page 95 Rob Gordon

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Conclusion If Governments want to build strong resilient communities then active listening and putting words into actions is critical. It costs very little to listen and respond even if the response isn’t what people always want to hear. At every stage the governments need to assess and review progress of the recovery with flexible processes capable of changing course if and when it is required.

Individuals and communities need to be confident in those governing them. It was disappointing to find, anecdotal evidence, that many community members believe Governments do not always follow the National, State and Local Emergency and Recovery Plans. For communities to have confidence with governments, governments must provide brief definitions and assessments of major threats and recovery plans. The National Principles of Recovery and the National approach to building Resilient Communities outlines the government’s thinking with Strategies to be put in place for achieving these principles. Communities need to be a big part of that planning through Community Advisory Committees (CAC’s) ensuring open, honest and transparent systems on behalf of the public.

Communities have indicated while they do not want to know every detail of emergency management, they do want to know the major threats they may face and how they can best plan for and recover from them.

It is vitally important for the health and wellbeing of communities that they must be in control of their own destiny. This will assist them in their short to long term recovery. They also require the provision of easy to read documents outlining issues as they set about making their plans for what may be around the corner. It is this awareness, preparation, response and recovery that will assist in building more resilient communities.

Communication is also a vital component of recovery. Information in a hard copy was seen to be the best method. Messages need to be kept simple and only a few sentences long. Under

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stress people can only take in a small amount of information. A few lines in easy speak is all that is required. A list of contacts was overwhelmingly supported on an ongoing basis was a strong component of message/fact sheets. Those not living within the area should also be sent all the message/fact sheets to help them keep informed but most importantly for them to feel part of their community and maintaining their connections with the community while they decide where their future is.

Local radio was also another great way of getting information and messages out. Communities really appreciated the ongoing effort of volunteer community radio people who kept them up to date with what was happening.

The coordination of those providing support and service is vital ensuring the benefit to the community by those service providers is maximised. The development of immediate, short, and long term health and wellbeing strategies needs to be defined and systems implemented that will assist communities to recover in the shortest time possible.

We believe the outcome of the discussions and comments leave little doubt in the reader’s mind of the actions required to improve ‘government’s systems’ as they outline solutions to the many problems individuals, families and communities face on their journey to recovery. Further research is required into – Physical health problems due to stress as a result of a disaster, relationship breakdown, violence issues, including family and neighbourhood violence, business recovery, *animal welfare – native and companion animal. Our results found many positive and negative aspects of the recovery process with a belief that if Governments were to improve their systems, community confidence would be greatly improved. As Governments improve their systems, the findings of this document along with other research work should be collated into ONE document, providing known solutions for the critical aftermath of a disaster.

We have the opportunity to provide better approaches to disasters. Providing awareness of potential disasters so that communities can better prepare, respond and recovery to those disaster will build stronger more resilient communities now and in the future. While governments may see this as challenging the communities are ready and have the capabilities of assisting governments to undertake the work of supporting those on the journey of recovery. * Reference Page 112 extract from Animal Welfare Workshops

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APPENDICES

A. Pg 34 - Notes from the Community Discussion Groups

Kinglake West Pg 34

Marysville Pg 37

Diamond Creek Pg 39

Glenburn Pg 41

Kinglake Pg 43

Wandong Pg 48

Eaglehawk Pg 52

Mudgegonga Pg 55 B. Pg 61 - Individual Comments

Fire Pg 61

Broadcasting experiences by a volunteer broadcaster during the 2009 Victorian bush fires Pg 64

Flood Pg 81

Cyclones Pg 86

Earthquake Pg 89 C. Pg 90 - Business Comments D. Pg 94 - Comments from Previous Disasters

Canberra Fires Pg 94

Drought, Cyclone and Fire Pg 101

Shepparton Floods Pg 106 E. Pg 107 - Reference Documents

Extracts from Government documents Pg 107

Animal welfare Pg 114

Bali Earthquake Pg 125 F. Pg 127 - Documents for Further Information

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APPENDIX A Kinglake Discussion Group held on the 27th September 2009

The workshop was held to find out from those members of the community who have, and in a number of cases are continuing to volunteer their services, in the recovery of the Black Saturday Bushfires. Their learning and experience needs to be passed on to all levels of Government so they can act on them internally and externally providing information to communities which will help them establish better response and recovery to disasters.

This was seen to be of the utmost importance with Governments picking up on the points that would assist with Emergency response and Recovery Plans and in the development of local community plans.

These workshops are being held to gather information which will be used in assisting other communities through any emergency event.

Ivan Peterson, Bushfire Recovery officer from Whittlesea City Council, and I said we would pass the notes on to our municipalities for action. I would ensure other levels of Government, authorities and appropriate Departments received a copy of the notes.

The main message of the day – It is of vital importance for communities to undertake their own recovery with support advice and assistance from all levels of government and departments. While there may be those who are unable to do this work, there are those who are ready willing and able having the necessary skills to do this work. This helps with the healing process empowering communities giving them ownership of their lives and long term recovery. Communities know what they need they just want support to work in partnership with all levels of government to help them get through the layers of bureaucracy.

Approximately 20 people attended covering the Kinglake and Flowerdale area’s. A big thank you; for all their comments, and for taking the time to attend. Other members of the community who could not attend also provided information. 4 questions were asked with comments being collected and put on butcher’s paper. If other groups had the same comment a tick from that group was added e.g. 2 groups = 2 ticks. 1. What has/is working well?

Skilled locals stepped forward -2

Local knowledge – physical locations with local focus in each community – 2

Drawing on existing networks

Gaps filled by local – what is needed locals get in find out what it is and use their networks to get it

Key person to control

2 x daily meetings – community consultation

Community register developed by locals for those living within the area

Tag system was good – although it needed to be refined

Where agencies were collaborating it worked well

Collaboration with corporate

Management skills of the Local CFA was good

Volume of donations really appreciated

People with credibility made timely decisions – 1

Army response was appreciated and good once orders were provided but also inconsistent at times

Door knocking by emergency services Community Emergency Response Team and CFA – 1

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2. What needs to be improved?

a. Council response to be more open to offers b. No Municipal Boundaries just communities c. Programmed Communication about recovery d. Use local State Police and backfill with interstate police e. Emergency response plans to include/involve local knowledge/services and

information be available for the community (e.g. local community plan) f. Local Government & MAV audits to be locally informed and communicated to

communities. g. Cross boundaries – integrating municipal neighbours MEMP’s h. All Emergency Response Plans, State & Local, to be on shire and State

Websites. i. Recognition by authorities of local expertise – 4 j. More support for community initiatives – 4 k. Development of plans for the tidal wave of donations for day 1 l. Co ordination of donations so unwanted goods can be transferred and messages

sent out for actual needs m. Employ locals first n. Army to work with community and local networks – Army to actually do

something, rather than just drive around, set up their tents and kick a footy o. More transparency – who does what on an ongoing basis p. More direct clarity of entry to supports/services q. Delegating responsibility to expert service providers at all levels r. External Volunteers appropriately should be matched with local volunteers so

they understand the needs of that particular community s. Proper briefing for new volunteers/workers t. Proper handover at changeover of teams u. Support services too slow to act (i.e. Red Cross, DHS etc – take 4-7 days to get

into gear) v. Privacy Laws a barrier for provision of information and keeping communities

connected w. Early checks of all premises x. Funding must be transparent at all levels y. Financial support for employees whose staff are traumatized z. Comments from the Darwin community re Cyclone Tracy, stay away from Local

Government aa. Timely communication bb. Council should not expect staff to carry on regardless when they are traumatized cc. Duty of care/legal liability/ OHS needs umbrella coverage

3. What 5 key messages would you provide to a community who may find themselves in a similar situation (heaven forbid?)

a. Hygiene, make this a priority, good water, toilets and somewhere to wash your hands, we can live with no food or sleep, but it is no good if we are getting sick.

b. Make people take time out, as soon as possible start to implement a system people where people are having time out, (might only be an hour or so). In the case of the fires, for the CFA at Kinglake West the duration of the event – actively fighting fires was over a month, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, we drew up a roster and made people take a day off – regardless of their position/rank.

c. Support each other, use friendships and local networks d. Ensure welfare checks are undertaken e. Keep checking on each others welfare, friends, neighbours, people you have never

met before. We all deal with stress differently. The guy working really hard, who looks the most resilient, may be the one suffering the most.

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f. Local Municipal and State Emergency Managers to be trained, available and located at local levels, not head office.

g. Planned clear/known lines and means of communication with the provision of information on – Accommodation, power supply, food/water, fuel and communication internal and external between agencies, departments, governments, community.

h. Attend as many meetings as possible and support local initiatives i. PLAN, PLAN, PLAN as much as possible before during and after. j. Don’t wait for or expect any help, the community will need to gather around and

use their own expertise/skills to get things done. k. If you come across a road block (i.e. someone saying no they can’t help, or you

can’t do that) then go around them don’t waste time trying to argue with bureaucrats.

l. Handover between staff and teams at every level m. External support working to support local volunteers/agencies need to recognize

and acknowledge local knowledge and expertise rather than trying to take over n. Volunteers must be formally recognized for their work and thanked o. Coordination of services and volunteers p. Local Community Disaster cash fund available q. (comments from Darwin’s experience in Cyclone Tracy) Ignore big organization,

stay away from Local Government.

4. What do you believe will help you and your community feel safe this fire season

Provision of timely accurate dissemination of information

Levels of emergency warnings known – use of sirens as an alerting mechanism. I think council, public and CFA views on this are all very different, personally I think the use of a siren is a waste of time, unless you are going to have a vast network of sirens, all with their own power source that can be activated remotely by? Then they would be of benefit.

Better models for disseminating information.

Local Community Plans Developed

Develop Local Community Plans; extension of the Fire Guard program insert into MEMP’s using Fire Plan experts.

Community Safe spaces developed known and supported open on days of high fire danger – CFA are referring to these as “Place of Resort” they would not be open for people to sit on days of total fire ban, only open in an actual emergency. I think council, public and CFA views on this are all very different, this will need to be sorted out quickly

Community gathering spaces and supplies

Empower yourself

Big picture emergency telecommunications response covering black spot areas – TV, radio, internet etc, with non affected communities assisting with communication networks including across municipal boundaries.

Authorities including emergency services, implement/enforce plans/strategies/actions

Mandatory Education for new residents

Libraries to have fire appropriate material

More pro active responsive shire when complaints are made regarding fuel loads & burning off

Full time fire protection officer

Better roadside clearing – no don’t remove all the trees but stumps and objects so that locals can maintain the roadside better – a note for Murrindindi council contractors who are currently clearing the roadsides

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Marysville 4th November 2009 1. What has/is working well?

Grocon Clean up x2

Local radio station warning

Temp village x3

Volunteers x2

Txt messages post fire

$1000 centre link payment to establish interim accommodation

DHS & Centre link support

Establishment of medical centre

Relief Centers (Church, schools & community hubs) x2

Local business support to the community x3

Hand Held communication devices

MATG formation x2

MOCA establishment

Community websites

Phoenix workshop – UDF with corporate pro bono help

Big corporate contribution – e.g. Aust Children’s Trust

Case workers, but didn’t work for everyone

Kim Wilke appointment x2

Red Cross

2. What needs to be improved?

Central register of community resources to access support

Evacuation plan on all levels

Phoenix Workshop to involve more young people

Communications/Emergency Services response x2

Many people do not fit the definitions

A needs register e.g., food, water, personal needs

Case Manager system x2

Faster issue of identity cards

A structure to be put in place to give confidence to residence and businesses to re build

On high fire danger days, all personnel including senior to be on duty.

Faster access to peoples properties x2

Faster access to schools

Get smaller business up and running ASAP

Should have been declared a National Disaster x3

Faster access to emergency fuel, groceries etc

Red cross training & awareness

A register for people to say who was alive and contact details

Artificial division of full time and part time residents

Management of disaster area need to appoint an emergency manager

3. Five key messages

a. Ask for National Disaster Declaration to relieve council x3 b. Raise awareness, attend CFA meetings c. Have safe evacuation points, evac list & action plan x4 d. Request Army to supply basic supplies ASAP – fuel, groceries, internet e. Know your immediate community f. Removal of red tape g. Prevention, fuel reduction, burning, fuel clearance policy x2

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h. Ensure the CFA/DSE have the means to communicate effectively i. Have adequate Insurance x2 j. Create a fire ready group and an assembly point x2

4) What do you believe will help you and your communities feel safe this fire season

Warning systems, sirens, texts, fire towers, fire ratings, radio x4

Evacuation place & route, even on severe days x6

Fuel reduction x4

Help for the elderly or people who need help buses for evacuation etc.

Own water supply x2

Helicopter & more fire fighting infrastructure x2

MFB to be trained for forest fires

Fire drill

Back up power system

Having fire safety equipment and be able to use it

Natural Gas – a reticulated gas system

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DIAMOND CREEK WORKSHOP NOTES 18th December 2009 Question 1 What worked/is working well?

Initial Personal contacts with survivors X Welcoming survivors X Local Knowledge – Basic set up for accessing storage, sorting areas Pamper Packs – initial pack to hand out Networks worked well providing local knowledge that expanded thru to organization such as – Council, community and departments Trying to bring some sort of normality-giving survivors choice and options with respect and dignity X Listening with respect & empathy Consistency of volunteer staff- familiar faces when coming to the centres Question 2 What needs to be improved? Be better prepared @ Council level for a quicker response X Keep promises – if you can’t deliver don’t say it X Communication at all levels – Council, relief centers all aspects is VITAL X What was available – require a list @ relief centers of the grants, how to access materials & goods, for relief centers determine who will pay the costs and how to contact utilities – water, phone electricity costs and who will pay for them Provide information on how goods will be delivered to the centres Cooperation’s of centers- angst about closing of the centres when they were required acknowledge and validate the centers supporting them with a phase out plan No Municipal Boundaries only communities ensure council boundaries don’t come into the equation Items were over handled as there was some distance between the offers of the same items Different cultures have distinct food requirements Items donated need to meet the needs and should be in the a good condition – not damaged or soiled X The Blue Card needs refining Case managers trained for the future Provision of programs – bringing the community together and school holiday programs for the young ones (these were really important and valued) Privacy laws hindered some of the areas of recovery Lack of accountability in general- council Departments State & Federal Government Question 3 What 5 Key messages would you provide to a community who may find themselves in a similar situation (heaven forbid)?

Bank of volunteer co coordinators trained in preparedness –

This could sit under the Municipal Emergency Management Plans

A Template be developed for initial response

A list of suppliers for sourcing urgent immediate materials Bank of money for community to tap into for incidentals & utility costs Take relief to the community members who are not able/comfortable to leave their homes Treat everyone equal – don’t be judgmental Identify community leaders – previous and new, giving them the support to continue if they wish Have good communications Knowing when you ask for something to be done it will be Keeping long term needs in front of mind – dinners, social connections, members of the community who have shifted to other areas are being kept informed. Assistance for those who have relocated, get around privacy laws so this can be achieved.

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Ensure Administration and logistics are co coordinated De-briefing is vital for everyone including volunteers and should be done sooner rather than later Case workers should not be overloaded Prepare shop fronts for material & services in suitable respectful locations The need for accommodation – develop a strategy to achieve this Have a developed strategy for transport for community – temporary and intermediate Question 4 What do you believe will help you and your community feels safe this fire season Safer Mates- phone system with volunteers supporting the survivors Drop In centres for the survivors on days that are Catastrophic – especially those in remote areas as shopping centres are not always the best place to go and relatives may be too far away A response plan @every level – personal corporate, agencies and communities Provision of good up to date information regularly Options and information to make an informed decision – websites can and do go down, radio, battery operated goods ADJOINING COMMUNITIES ARE THE QUICKEST FOR RESPONSE

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Glenburn Comments – provided by several community members*

1. What things are working well –? The fires have brought the community together in many ways. We are a closer community even though there appears to be splinter groups who do not agree with many of the ideas and opinions of the majority of the community. Our monthly get together at the community hall. We meet at 5.00 pm for drinks and nibbles and this is well attended. 2. How do you think things could be improved – The membership of the Community Recovery Committee should not have been left to Councillors to choose. It would have been far better to accept members from the main community groups that existed pre & post the fires. * Names withheld due to Privacy Laws

We believe the first meeting was stacked with a number of the original applicants not being accepted. We believe only permanent residents should be on the CRC. The process that occurred has caused division, frustration and at times anger amongst the community. There should be a council officer at the CRC meetings if for no other reason than to listen and provide feedback from council. Councillors are attending these meetings and it is appreciated but the officers are the ones who carry out the work. As the Hotel burnt down we do not have a meeting place on a daily basis as the Pub was somewhere we met and socialized on many occasions. Funding could be better spent where it is needed. We are unsure who put forward the walkway between the school and the river possibly a Cr. We believe this same Councillor wants Yea, to become part of the CRC so they can apply for funds for the Yea Wetlands project. Even though we have been told we have funds for different social gatherings e.g. winter & summer programs, communities have had to provide the funds themselves or ask council for it until they are reimbursed. The money is not available before the function is held and we are having issues getting it to repay whoever. The building of the Hall has been a real problem as we have a genuine builder who quoted the job with the original plans being larger than the current scaled down plan. The builder stands by his quote of $560k for the hall yet we have been made to change our plans take off a meeting room shift the toilets and the project is going to cost thousands of dollars more something we just cannot understand. Needs to be continuity of the Council Recovery officer. We have had 2 different officers since last year and we believe we are going to get yet another one as the position has been advertised. What occurs with another person coming in is they have to be brought up to speed with information thus slowing down and delaying progress of recovery. We need good communication within the community. We are unable to put out information as within 48 hours of a decision from the CRC it appears to change. We must make sure information is provided on a regular basis and well in advance of a project. At the moment around 90% of the community are feeling frustrated as they believe VBRRA and the Council are slowing down projects. There is no accountability at a council level we see nothing happening on the ground from a council perspective. There are delays procrastinations and this is why people are getting frustrated.

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Unable to comment on Key messages at this time as we haven’t got our head around the issues we are trying to put forward and we are trying to understand what is occurring with the splinter group which seems to be holding up progress. Other Issues Raised

Mediation has taken place between the ‘community splinter group’ (around 20 people not all of whom live in Glenburn some are from Yea) and members of the community. There have been 2 sessions with non attendance from some of the splinter group at those sessions. We have an agreement document which we have been asked to sign. We feel let down by Anne Leabeater who initiated a community building model and nothing more has happened from that. (I suggested they get in touch with Jane Archibald who had taken Anne’s position after Anne went to the Emergency Services Commission).

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Kinglake All Day Review of Recovery 17th June 2010 What was your Expectation of the Recovery? A Different approach from the beginning – didn’t need to re-invent the wheel, use the historical frameworks from previous disasters e.g. Cyclone Tracy, Larry, overseas information, Ash Wednesday Competent Leadership from Local, State & Federal Government Declare a State of Emergency – Constituted as a Natural Disaster would have provided a different response than declaring a National Disaster Longevity in support – greater support earlier and ongoing support, previous history, Canberra fires, Ash Wednesday showed minimum recovery 4-8 years Competent Recovery of – Welfare, Business, Infrastructure, Fully Resourced Emergency Response was too slow – medical needs on the ground, essential services such as fuel water food, and teams of personnel (medical, counselling departmental obtaining data), door to door within 24 hours ‘Risk Aversion Plan’ Equity in distribution of Donations with NO Taxation issues delaying/prohibiting support to those in need

- Charities Act needs to be reviewed to taking into account these issues in a disaster - Focus on provision of funds for residents who are able to help themselves and others

instead of bringing in outside people. Training available to undertake this work. - Communications of gift applications through other means than case managers

Welfare & Development would occur in parallel e.g. in the first weeks community leaders emerged and were not fully supported Focus on keeping community together Recover Machine would take care of our cultural identity and the importance of keeping communities connected Proactive approach not reactive - .e.g. Ambulance Vic, ensuring a feeling of well being keeping in mind community mental health issues is a priority Regular Assessments – what is working, what needs to be improved?

- Men’s Health – the need for men to have ownership of family & community ensuring they keep the feeling of their traditional roles and responsibilities

Bureaucracy on the ground not in Collins Street making decisions for us Volunteer support Not a grant driven recovery Community creating their own criteria for Grants not Collins Street mentality Simple Grant application system Not an election led recovery e.g. no political point scoring No Competition of services between towns Strategic Town planning framework prior to the placement/replacement of services Understand the context – mature relationships between Local, State & Federal Government and the community Why was there a need for a S86 Recovery committee at Local Government Level? This has made the Recovery more Complex Ensure an analysis of capabilities and capacity of Local Government to respond Question 1 What has and is working well? Strengthening of community relationships Quick response from Telstra, SP Ausnet, DHS, Centrelink, VicRoads, local medical support Community Dining Animal Welfare Community Representative Groups within the first 16 weeks – self organizing of community Strong Women’s Network

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Hub Captain – Helen Goodman going beyond her role to assist the community Temporary Villages Army, Police, Emergency Services across the range Community lobbying for an Ambulance for the next 2 years at a minimum Football Club Community members stepped up to fulfil community roles and needs Community Cohesiveness Access to key leaders/decision makers Broader community relationships – meeting other community members in other townships Business Network Grocon Rental location Assistance Question 2 - What could be improved?

Communications – between agencies, community, all levels of government as there was a noticeable lack of appropriate communications on an ongoing basis. (Anything that had Murrindindi Shire on it people switch off) - Use of websites e.g. - Privacy laws changed to allow contact of those who re-located - Appropriate competently resourced and funded communications personnel at a local level (local employment first) An understanding of the Political Context at individual community and shire levels Recognize the complexities – ONE Size does not fit all Use of existing and emerging leaders Co-ordination of ‘all’ activities – VBRRA did not/does not have sufficient legislative power to undertake what is required on the ground Financial support for local community groups to undertake the work on the ground – e.g. financial support for Animal Welfare, Helping Hand (M Fella), Peak Body support for tennis clubs, KRNH and CRC Accommodation on residents own property Meetings MUST provide on ground actions Community Dining – ensure it is nutritional, resourced not only by volunteers (again local employment opportunities), support for Business Network and Local Government Improved Government relations – we don’t want ‘lip service’ Develop programs and services with the community – even though we are told we have a voice our voice is not being listened to. We are being told what we can have. The community wants to be a partner at all times in the short, medium and longer term programs and services Critical requirement is ‘enabling’ of community Constituted CRC’s – this would legitimize the work with their communities arriving at community based decisions Murrindindi council should have been stood aside to protect the Council from the recovery process – with 40% devastation the task was too great for the staff

- shire is an isolated Loc Gov with a small rate base with their main function rotating on the 3 R’s

- pre fires it was considered by the majority of the community to be failed council Clearly articulated Recovery Plan Appears to be a lack of preparedness at Local Government level for recovery – lack of resources to enact policy Clearly defined roles and responsibilities for ALL Agencies/levels of Government We MUST learn from Historical Disasters within Australia and from Overseas – it appears information is not being disseminated or adopted into policy/planning There is a Need for the Government to form partnerships with Business & corporate Sector to assist the community. This should also include resources that can be supplied by Rotary, Lions Global Care NGO’s

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Question 3 Where are the Gaps?

Requires different leaders for different times dependant on the stages of the disaster –

Initial command and control needed to be decisive

Parallel process to build communities to assist their own recovery process – e.g. Infrastructure, business, health and well being

have the ability and support to create our own support mechanisms

all of the above underpinned by the recognition of Government VBRRA adherence to their own Guiding Principles also the recognition that a Universal approach is problematic. Comments on the Principles Welfare – Reads well but has not been fulfilled. Mental Health needs must have creative ways to engage people again size does not fit all Meeting Needs – believe it has not been fully met as at a superficial level it may have Case Management system had to work on their feet, rules changed reinventing itself Resources not ready to go Global needs not met specifically Business needs Community Involvement – Entrust community to empower them rather than tokenism, use the Bottom Rung by Sherry Arnstein (negative emotions, frustration leads to physical health breakdown, this is occurring within the community NOW) Integrity – Efforts have been made to cover this when it is brought to their attention Lifestyle choice has seen people left out, disenfranchising certain groups

Tailored Solutions – Strategic town plans prior to decisions on placement of services Local economy is leaky across the ridge Allied Health Service Programs similar to Community Fireguard need to identify the vulnerable Better provision of assistance via funding including VBAF that could have assisted with some basic needs e.g. Cars, Counselling Rental Assistance beyond 12 months Council permits are over whelming with the shire not having the capacity or unable to respond in a timely manner No recognition of the ongoing issues The Recovery appears to be managed around elections We need to be aware we are possibly creating a dependency mentality Lift the Barriers so local who are capable can make a paid contribution to the recovery, ‘employ local to sustain the locally’

Question 4 - What actions re required to improve/move the Recovery forward?

Identify key projects and codify these so that they would make a difference on the ground Make recommendations from the learning’s and Gap Analysis Empower & Resource Communities so they can lead their own Recovery – especially as VBRRA is closing down Develop guiding documents for our own Recovery “Recovery Plan at a local community level that is understood and owned by locals Urgent Action – within 1 month support service for community health and well being will leave the mountain, most people are not aware of this they need to be made aware and prepared Urgent Action Utilize the Council Public Health Plan – review the plan identify the gaps

- develop and insert a Mental Health Recovery Plan - 10 Community Development Officers placed on a retainer system - $ for implementing the Plan - Primary Care Partnership requires designated co-ordination for on ground work - Early Years program - Youth support

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Community Leaders to be provided with support to prevent ‘Burnout’ – Use local businesses to support for this support for stress relief – massage, counselling Single Co-ordination centre for all agencies/services in the area Realization that services are not just required between 9 and 5, in particular youth services as the youth travel off the Mountain and do not return until 4 – 4.30 pm MUST have a ‘bottom up’ approach Economic Development – there is a fine line between charity and business survival Create a positive atmosphere – people helping themselves and others brings physical and mental well being Support leadership culture at a community level Create Independence with flexible systems Business Recovery is still not resolved – there is a mind set to resolve this via grants requires more e.g. mentors financial advice Huge impact on the horticulture industries such as Olives and Berries *Requires a Business Survey which includes impact and opportunities Ongoing Volunteer co-ordination – assistance with administration support for movers and shakers, ensure the skill set is met, include training for local employment Highlight future funding needs for the Recovery Our Natural Environment Fuel loads of dead and dying trees, vulnerability of future communities given the increased undergrowth

Target Audience for the Review ALL levels of Government, Local Government Pro, Municipal Association of Victoria, Victorian Local Government Association, Non Government organizations, other communities, Philanthropists e.g. Andrew Forrest, Fox group, Beck , Rotary Lions etc Ensure we leave a Legacy for our future and the future of others Empower ourselves, the community and agencies Use media so our points can be made in a positive pro active manner We must be aware we do not create a false expectation for the community by what we are doing Future Process Collate information – by early in the week of 28th June Email Draft by the 2nd of July Ask each member of the discussion review to explain what the review is about to key members of the community and ask for their response Organize to meet the week of the 5th of July Identify Outcome Positive message Long term viability of community NOT a ‘witch hunt’ Base message it is not too late to deal with the shortcomings We have made good progress under the circumstances of what we have had to deal with including the many unnecessary hold ups, lack of timely decision making and listening to the general thrust of the majority of the community voice. We are proud of what has been achieved under the conditions as outlined and we want to do more to assist our recovery and renewal We have a vision of where we want to be Could you change that Agriculture businesses especially the horticulture sector, is finding it hard as they have lost their ‘09 income as well as their income for 3-8 years rather than just mentioning berries and olives (vineyards and proteas growers are in the same position.) I guess any businesses that are relying on local trading would be struggling also. And home base businesses.

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One thing that continually arises about the recovery process is the inappropriate way the residents of Kinglake West-Pheasant Creek were treated during the few weeks after the fire. I don’t believe anyone from the Murrindindi Shire placed enough importance on the great benefit the community gatherings/meal get together of an evening helped the people recover. There was a concerted effort to close these gatherings down. There is still a group of people that lost loved ones that meets each month (of a night) at the Flying Tarts Bakery. The importance of such interaction is becoming more noticeable as time passes. It is also more obvious as time passes what a bastard of an attitude some people that were in positions of authority had towards our effected community. It was also very hard on people making them drive through 9-12 kms thru areas of destruction to attend community information meetings in the immediate aftermath of the fires. We could have just as easily been given this information at a 20 minute meeting at our local hall/school/CFA shed. I know of a person personally that had an anxiety attack having to make that trip.

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Wandong Discussion Group

Bushfire Community Consultation Discussion Session 7/11/2010 Wandong Community Centre Draft General Discussion Notes

In the time after the fire the benefit of having the assistance of physical labour was paramount 5/6 large blokes would have been good then we received them within a few days (2-3) and found it a big help.

Anecdotally even the garbage man was affected and considered his people as clients (was a nice validation that people cared).

We need help now (18 months) with weeds/native veg issues then we worry how the native veg will affect our BALS. Need practical ongoing support from council, agencies etc such as council rates, rego etc

Support ended to quickly such as Vic roads/Council

The need to share recovery info between survivors with really practical stuff such as putting horses into paddocks to control weeds/grasses/young native veg. As a guide 4ac per horse although may cost you some fencing.

Concerns regarding the hypocrisy of council (Mitchell Shire) re issuing residents in bushfire affected roads with notice to cut grass then not doing anything about overgrown road reserves. E.g. Scanlans Rd Wandong, Doctors Creek Rd Clonbinane.

Lag in council addressing dangerous trees on roads affected by bushfire.

Some never heard of National principles in disaster recovery

Disaster docs should have gone out straight away to communities. Info on agencies very important. Some of these government documents seen as lip service and very bureaucratic. Language not in lay terms and not seen as genuine. Seen as lots of talk and not much action. We need better formatted documents and hence better understanding by community and better distribution of such documents.

Bureaucrats make statements then don’t follow up i.e. Mitchell promised rate relief then never delivered.

Feel relief and recovery was not done to national principles by government bodies and agencies

Communication is and was a big issue

Community gets a sense of comfort with accurate information and communication

Power tripping with ego based agency people does not work well

Some relief centres providing good support such as Wandong o Salvos o Centrelink o Shire o Telstra etc

The main relief was at Wallan but important to have access to more locally based relief i.e. is in one at Wandong

Community led first relief centre which opened at Wallan which was very ad-hoc

So in the immediate time after the disaster the community will come to each others aid whilst government and agencies organise themselves.

Councils trying to implement Municipal emergency plans (MEPs)

Relief centres needed some oversight management, people who were effected struggled

People in relief arranged according to pre existing groups i.e. church groups

Key community members arranged sub groups at relief centres into groups to look after food/clothing/etc

Agencies tended to be territorial

Co-ordination of agencies etc very important and imperative for this to be pre planned prior to disaster. This should also be done by person/s not directly affected by disaster so they have the full capacity to deal effectively.

Council should be responsible for local relief implementing National principles of recovery (consensus in group when asked)

People passionate about making this info count

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Problem with agency workers that keep changing o You build up a rapport when they are always there o Difficult to go through process when new ones come o Not interested in going through the process repeatedly

Street community and support worked well which also extrapolated to the neighbourhood support and then more broadly to town support

Those less affected helped those more affected; this worked well and highlighted the importance of forming bonds with neighbours prior to disasters.

Police Road Blocks were a real issue o Some value in road block in controlling tourists but not enough support for survivors in the early days o Locals frustrated by police inflexibility and support o System has to be better to reflect the survivor’s needs o Need better assessments

Army was a huge help and should have been used more o Local knowledge should have been used more o Army could have gathered more information on needs o Army best placed on making risk assessments

Utilise the media better

Form a database early on people/skills/volunteers. Can be done before disaster in the local context

Agencies seen to be positioning for recognition of supporting people.

Recognising the sense of ownership with locals doing relief especially at relief centres

Volunteers o Problem with the volume of people wanting to volunteers o Problem with no registration of volunteers o Hard to get in touch with them o Some support for volunteers would be good i.e. petrol vouchers o Would be good to have more volunteers now (18 months down)

CFA became local relief in immediate time after fire. This worked well

Communications o Priority for communications which must be equitable, the relief became competitive by survivors (not good and created anxiety) lots of rumours and word of mouth o Radio Communication was havoc/terrible o Communication was a major issue at every level

First 24 hours people o Helped themselves o Helped others o Went to CFA o Evacuated

Absolute need for central co-ordination

Should have been declared a National and State disaster (Consensus by group) (in part to empower army to take control of relief and recovery)

LONGER TERM ASSESMENT

Need of continuity of people in agency and authority

Problems with some agencies i.e. DHS/VBRAA where people were seconded from other departments then had to go back.

Info on survivors should be data based o Should be a directive o Funding stopped, a real problem o Some workers not appropriate o Shouldn’t have to beg for funding

Should be a process on closing down relief centres o What happens to what’s left in relief centres

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o How do you move it? o Have to wean people off the relief centre not just cut them out/off(managers)

Lack of skill sets of case managers a real problem especially with the type of work and volume of work they had

Case management model not appropriate

Red cross meant to co-ordinate volunteers but did not have the capacity to arrange volunteers

Volunteers were needed later on, 6months, 12 months, 18 months

Should be template of volunteers info

DHS did not co-ordinate case management

Community services hub o Worked well o Good model o Good hub captains(important) o Local based(working well)

Regarding bulky goods o Items should have been stored for use now when needed by “more” genuine survivors o Appropriated more affectively o Should have been a consideration of timelines of peoples recovery (not everyone recovers at same rate) o People need bulky goods now (i.e. fridges, couches don’t have funds allocated

Community is very sick o Need ongoing support from professionals such as Rob Gordon or similar o Need to target support to particular groups i.e. men, children

As time goes on more recognition by survivors of emotional trauma

Mental health issues exacerbated by bureaucracy, council, committees, o Need better family support o Case management didn’t step up o People feel abandoned by case management o Should be some consistency in payments(grants) o Broken promises made things worse

Centrelink did great job with the people they choose. Imperative to send “right” people to disaster. I.e. compassionate, empathy etc

Layers of bureaucracy added problems i.e. council requirements for rebuilding, BALS

For 6-8 weeks council liaised with agencies directly then bureaucracy took over

VBRAA seemed to be a gap filler and not an Authority with Statutory power

The need to look at overseas models of relief and recovery such as Feema in America

The need now for many people affected to share stories and the value in that personally

Understanding the real ongoing needs now and down the track

The importance for survivors to know there will be assistance down the track

Proper training to implement disaster relief and recovery

Some people at council worked above their pay point who did a great job e.g. councillors and volunteers also

Better system for vouchers

KEY INFO FOR COMMUNITIES INTO THE FUTURE

Annual publication/booklet(could be subsidised by ads) that has; o Important contact info o Relief centre info(although some in group believe this to be difficult to declare prior to disaster) o Indications of what to do in disaster o E.g. in cyclone prone areas this is what happens i.e. recommendation on disaster pack

Should be info on looking after yourself, have plans but be flexible, don’t be complacent, self empower

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The importance of understanding and education of self responsibility

Should be part of school curriculum from year 5

Ladies bras difficult to fit and the example of relief centre workers becoming pseudo councillors.

GENERAL COMMENTS

Pre existing problems exacerbated by trauma of fires. Takes a long time to deal with things. A lot of needs, time goes very quickly, energy levels low with some people.

The understanding that some people don’t know what they need now/yet

The importance of keeping vulnerable people connected within the community

Insurance and grant money used to live(especially for those that didn’t/couldn’t/cant work)

The use of appropriate words when “talking” to the community ie “cut off” creates anxiety

People who have gone slow in recovery and rebuilding feel at a disadvantage

Imperative to have bulky goods available now

Sense of urgency now

Special circumstance/needs to be acknowledged

Better planning especially financial aid as it is tough to make good financial decisions post disaster

Relief centre ran 7 days a week so other services needed to compliment this such as Bendigo bank which opened on a Sunday(Wallan) so people could cash cheques

Target support and gathering ie blokes boat trip was excellent and worthwhile

Maybe some value in documenting individual stories /anecdotes

ADDITIONAL NOTES 2

Relief and recovery framework tree ie with relief starts with local council and or councillor then filters down from that as an example of structure

Would one level of disaster response work? No

CFA sirens could be used if appropriate education for locals

No timeline for recovery

Mental health issues the most important issue/ financial hardship also important

Fire was a big wake up call to a lot of people

Cycle of fires but complacency sets back in after time

Services were back on in good time/water truck was good

Blatant ripping off of support services enraged genuine victims so more control needed to prove claimants location effected

The same support systems were often not known by genuine victims as they were too busy trying to get on with the job

Concerns about Shire knocking trees down ad hoc

Conflicting messages from shire brought tears of frustration © 2010 Lyn Gunter, Dean Cerneka

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Community Discussion Group Eaglehawk 27.03.2011

1. What has and is working well?

Bushfire ID card Using existing community group members to form community recovery committee’s Forming Community groups early Meeting with Council Bushfire Recovery Manager on a regular basis Initial Bushfire Recovery officer had a great PR with the community CRC worked well because they were backed by existing resident groups/committee

i. if there were difference of opinions they were worked through to gain a consensus ii. there was no 1 leader we all stood equal – this meant no individual was heard above the

rest of the group iii. initially we met on a fortnightly basis for about a year, then monthly and at the moment

bi- monthly iv. we worked on the basis ‘ too many chiefs and not enough Indians’ never works v. having a safe, independent place to meet where we had support from a higher

community leader who we could call on as needed Case Manager System 2. What needs to be improved and how could it be improved? Change over of staff at all levels especially council where we have seen 4 different people in the position of Bushfire Recovery officer in 2 years i. we need continuity at all levels whenever possible ii. Provide a 1 year contract at a minimum iii. need to have open relations of being able to speak your mind without it being seen as

criticism or staff becoming defensive Communications at all levels – information at registration desks, water tanks, information on building, Bushfire Attack Levels Too much Inconsistency of information from people in the same department Experience level of providers needs to be higher Provision of Local knowledge to those assisting Pre training of staff that could then be called upon in time’s of emergency Better training at agency level to ensure the same information is being delivered to the community Provide a guiding document that is learnt and understood by staff, government and non government agencies Community education and information on Evacuation process and who will be the lead service Emergencies Services from external areas need to have a local person who can provide local knowledge In the first instance, and possible for some hours, those affected are not sure what to do and where to go. We need better information about what we may do from Council. Preparation document, that is simple and easy to follow. Community rely on emergency services and those in authority to guide them Community Safer Places – there is concern communities do not understand what they are for and which one they should access if they need to. Who will tell them? Make sure communities don’t get a mind set on one specific CSP as this could endanger them and their families The disabled and the elderly in residential care on code red days should have a designated building to go to. This building should be fitted with sprinklers. Provide vouchers so people can buy locally which helps the local economy that is if the shops are all ok, it would depend on the type of disaster. People from all affected areas shouldn’t

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have had to go all the way to Claytons to get what they the goods need should be sent to the affected areas. It was too hard for some people to get to Melbourne. It was felt door to door information would be better than brochures meetings pamphlets A simplified document as what is out currently about CSP is confusing Registration – information provided about how we should keep in touch and where we can keep in touch with what is happening Should be 2 Registration System – Red Cross & either Council or DHS ;using a computer system that will use program that will issue ID Cards which have amount of loss per household – e.g. there are programs using a scanning bar code which when scanned will Provide details of loss Emergency funding – develop a more equitable system. Currently if you lost a house or have a home and are displaced you get the same this is not equitable Distribution of funds not publicized in the way it is now it should be done in general terms. (Those who lost homes felt they were being scrutinized and as if they were taking things they shouldn’t be) Ensure a list is compiled that will evacuate the elderly & disabled White goods and larger Material Aid should not have been held at Clayton. It was too hard to get to Clayton. Should have been divided into areas and provided locally A more Flexible system that can be adapted to individual circumstances and needs Use demographics for placement of support More regulations on donated funds so they can be spent who and where they are really needed Residents MUST be part of discussions and decisions Develop an individual household Survival Pack/Disaster Pack. The pack should be checked and items renewed at least every 6 months. The following items are suggested in this Pack – 1 Back Pack per family member – size of pack will be dependant on the age of the family member. Childs Pack - Torch – Whistle - Jacket or jumper – Hat - Toy Adult Pack – Toiletries – you can purchase travel size which we would recommend. Toothpaste toothbrush, comb, soap, face washer, hand towel. Fire Safety Blanket Transistor radio – batteries to be kept separate Copy of identification either hard copy or on a flash drive (if you can keep a copy of some identification at a different location) Torch Mobile phone Hat Whistle List of Medication you are on – a day’s supply of medication Small first aid kit which would include – several band aids, sling- this can be used as a bandage if needed, small tube of antiseptic cream Small bottle of water

3. What are the messages you would provide to communities in times of disaster?

What has happened will affect you for a long time perhaps even a lifetime? Services may be withdrawn too soon e.g. 2 years is too soon You will need long term services available You will need to ‘help yourselves’ don’t rely on support from outside You can be so busy taking care of finding a home. Clothing, furniture etc you may not be aware of what is happening to your family, watch for signs of stress. Here are some of the signs –

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Anger Withdrawal Abnormal behaviour - Listen to what they are saying and how they are talking

- Fear, anxiety – especially on hot windy days - Lack of motivation - depression

Remember to look in the mirror at yourself and how you are feeling What are you covered for in your Insurance Policy – get a neighbour or friend to look at it as well Find out who will ensure you the best The Insurance Association should look at a minimal package that is affordable Be aware of INCONSISTENCIES EVERYWHERE A Card system that covers Individual circumstances – dual occupancy issues Promises will be made and broken Council needs to develop a simplified version of their emergency management plan and recovery plan and provide it to the community Make sure you meet together socially – weekly, fortnightly or monthly (each community can determine this and change as time goes on) Be aware that the Authorities need to ‘support locals’ NOT the attitude we will give you what we think you need Finally Communities need to be ready before anything occurs. Make sure you are not complacent this could happen to you not just those around you Get to know your neighbours ‘NOW’ don’t wait for an emergency

Develop your own community, neighbourhood emergency plan. The CFA and SES can help you

develop one if you ask them

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RESPONSE TO THE FINAL REPORT FROM THE BUSHFIRES ROYAL COMMISSION

Mudgegonga-Myrtleford area fire recovery community meeting

“What the government needs to know or understand”

Fire Services Levy

current system is illogical and inequitable

property based system shares the burden

insurance based results in no insurance/under insurance – income from levy is not predictable or based on requirements

rural residents pay a higher percentage and in many cases are volunteer members of the CFA required to fight their own fires, city residents have a fully paid Municipal Fire Brigade

ridiculous to expect the CFA to charge for their services to uninsured properties

Private land adjoining State/Crown land-

shared responsibility (preferred) or greater flexibility for private land holders to manage boundary

Fencing costs, weed and regrowth control, allowable clearance provisions – 4m ineffective, especially in bushfire affected zones, damaged trees weakened, dying and continually falling – ongoing cost in terms of materials and time for continual monitoring and repairs.

Erosion issues – formation of gullies extending in to farming land, originating from Crown Land due to loss of ground and tree canopy cover.

Communication

Improvement of mobile coverage – DSE (red tape) stalling the installation of a Telstra tower on Mt Stanley because of a grazing lease.

UHF emergency radio network system – Mudgegonga model (once trialled and procedure defined) used for other rural communities – with external funding

fire danger rating and Forest Fire Danger Index to be included as a component of the weather report on every daily television and radio news service during the fire season

Mobile networks able to be accessed by any handset in an emergency (i.e. Telstra customers can also transmit using Optus towers) – is this technically possible?

Fire fighting resources

Helicopters rather than Jumbo jet – fire fighting units able to be attached to any helicopter to increase fire fighting capacity (as seen on The New Inventors).

Allocation of resources to manage a predicted weather front/wind change – managing the flank before it becomes the new fire head.

CFA remuneration

aging volunteer force, inactive members on list

Army Reserve type system to encourage new recruits and retain current volunteers? – Recognition of time and commitment.

Compensation for involvement in large bushfire events – DSE paid award wages and overtime rates, CFA volunteers lose money due to absence from normal employment.

Personal Refuges

Australian Standard – location, construction, access, safety equipment

register of locations maintained by local shire and CFA

issues related to surviving a super-heated or irrespirable atmosphere

Fuel Reduction burns

maintaining cleared fire control lines to serve as future access points and act as fire breaks or as safe points to initiate back-burning operations– instead of constructing log/earth barriers once controlled burn has been completed (presumably to prevent recreational vehicle access?)

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NO to Spring burns, impact on biodiversity – reducing native seed bank, breeding season for fauna, removing food sources, leaving cleared ground over summer results in greater moisture loss and provides opportunity for weed infestation.

Roadside vegetation – overgrowth reduced by spraying/controlled burns – act as a firebreak, point of access to fire, safe means of egress – roadside vegetation acting as ‘wicks’ rapidly spreading the extent of the fire.

Local Government Role

Beechworth-Mudgegonga fire started in the Indigo Shire, but predominantly impacted the Alpine Shire who have provided the majority of funding and services essential in the recovery process. 8% of the Alpine Shire is rateable with the remainder being State Forest, Crown Land, National Parks, Alpine Reserves.

Bushfire affected shires need to have access to a State Emergency Fund to reduce the impact on ratepayers (also available to contend with other natural disasters as the need arises).

Living in high bushfire risk areas

compulsory education/training for residents – fire behaviour and fire preparedness

minimum safety requirements – egg generator, pumps, sprinkler systems and designated water supply, back up communication system, maintenance of access roads

understanding and acceptance of risk – no expectation of external assistance in the

event of a bushfire emergency

Responses from the 8 table groups at the Myrtleford workshop 31 May, 2011 – raw data. Data is transcribed directly from butcher paper.

Q1 – Our most pressing needs for the medium and long term recovery of our communities? Q2 Groups that require special assistance or attention?

Methodology – random selection of participants across 8 tables 1. Choose facilitator and scribe 2. Introductions around group 3. 5 topics @ 8 minutes per topic

communications

water and landscapes

community strengthening

preparedness

health – mental and physical 4. What one thing, if done really well would make a significant difference to our

community? 5. Summaries material for reporting back to full group

Communication

Community radio network, build, provide infra structure and back up, run information programs.

Improve mobile coverage

Improve UHF, radio coverage – set up UHF in all areas

Improve internet connections

Keep road access clear

Co-ordinate roadside clearance between Vic roads and council

Towel – appropriately placed

No power – no phones, no TV, no radio

Lag time with emergency broadcasting information

Social networking

UHF radio education

Mobile phone coverage

Tower needed at Rosewhite/Kancoona Gap

Telstra wire cover melts quickly in fires

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Restricted Egress, to escape on roads,

roadside vegetation controls

mapping of vulnerable properties for in/out access

National broadband network

CFA pager black spots up to 75% non-coverage in Running Creek/Kancoona

Communication was a problem during the bushfires for people fighting the fires. There was congestion in the radio channels effecting communication and result made it difficult to coordinate. There was limited coverage in the Mudgegonga area.

Radio trees have since been set up in the Mudgegonga area

Power went out very quickly in Stanley making people isolated.

Just normal phone at home during a bushfire is no longer adequate – we need old fashioned phones that do not rely on power or radio

Wider communication of what is going on in the broader fire area

People found that news updates were behind the time, making updates un useful

State emergency services are moving towards using face book communication medium in the Queensland floods – as a tool

Need different communication tools for different sections of the community to meet everyone’s needs

People need to take responsibility for their own situation

Engage with all residents in the Shire and work with other shires

Address black spots – mobile, radio, land line and internet

Newsletter info from the Shire was very good –

More personal – facto face info evenings were very helpful

Communication working committee – DSE/Telecoms/TC/WiFi/BB- waiting for a response from Telstra

Dangerous tree clearing in general – Piney Land- DSE issue? Need regular assessment

Mapping – is it up to date?

Telstra lines now held together with connectors since the fires.

Communication committee for the whole area to lobby and know about the different issues in different areas

Water and Landscapes

Strategic system of fire water, tanks i.e. 100,000l across districts – CFA to coordinate

Designated creek and dam access NSP require abundant water with quick-fill capabilities

Fire prevention – clearing roadsides and crown land, weed suppression and planned revegetation

Establish a fund to do this

Stream water quality plan and strategy for action

Roadside veg management – re fire management and safety

A project to link ancient paddock trees/history

Providences and local history for future landscapes

Community bores

Stanley Park repair, plant oak trees – memorial

Landscape fire prepared gardens/ farms

Education on low flammability plants

Signposting on private properties

Better documentation of water available for fire fighting – GPS mapping/documents checked regularly

Establish water points system through landscape

Cannot depend on local water knowledge in an emergency

Supply portable fire fighting units

Impact of flooding post fires – rebuild fence posts, erosion still continues, explore understorey revegetation including grasses

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Access to water to fight fires during the bush fires was a problem. Bruarong community has now been provided with water tanks, water, hoses by the CFA for future preparedness – would be good to have this set up throughout the region.

CFA sheds should maintain a fuel storage capacity

After the fire many farms had no access to stock or domestic water. Alpine Shire did make water deliveries for consumption use after the fires

Silting up of farm dams has been a problem for many land holders. Could funds be made available to de-silt farm dams?

Gully erosion – need a whole of catchment approach to this

Siltation of dams – policy to allow farmers to put in more dams for water catchment

More water tanks

Land infra structure to lessen fire risk

Erosion – assistance to control, more education, tree planting/stabilizing products (concrete, grass) & recognize how landscape changes have affected community mentally

Portable quick fills at Dederang/Kancoona –

Static water supplies at community safe places, solar pumps over 50gals

Water project at Dederang Rec Reserve

Diesel backup for fires

Paddock trees/older trees are disappearing. Protect/replace and leave a legacy.

Ongoing problem with erosion

Emergency fund for fixing problems in the short term

Picnic area restoration – Barwidgee – owned by DSE, burnt trees dumped there, isn’t a good visual for mental health (depressing), possible chipping and source of fire wood

Community

Community information on fire prevention

Evaluation of each household’s fire plan

Sporting infrastructure to be improved and maintained

Establish a community fund

Education/signage/ongoing communication

Education on planting/hoses/screens

Information on NHSP

Portable education tool/TV screen

Delivery information linked with community events such as yoga classes

Emergency management response – working with emergency services/training

Resilience committee

Constant training & education for all types of events

People and community are the most important. Halls are an essential part of each community. Meeting places are important to facilitate ideas and for people getting together.

Solar panels on all meeting places so independent of mains electricity

Develop sporting facilities

Finding ways for communities to connect is critical. This is an opportunity to bring fractured communities together.

Need to maintain momentum of community relationships and networks

Ideas*

Community dinners to bring people together. Community web site. Community social events - intergenerational

A place for people to meet is critical – gives a sense of ownership – link to schools – find lateral ways to involve the kids.

Skill up natural leaders (motivate, reach out to identify) those that need help; community strengthening events, encourage youth leadership (before the leave school), succession planning within community groups, encourage more men to be involved.

Men’s shed & men’s activities

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Improve women’s facilities egg netball courts

Preparedness

Regular information nights/sessions re natural disasters including checking on neighbours

Welcome pack for new arrivals egg community information, local maps, safe areas, slip on units for CFA

Water reserves now, for the future

Water identifiers

Education (resilience) materials to use in buildings

Pumps/tanks/sprinklers

NHSP

Educate on how to be prepared – knowledge passed on from elders, education on how to use infra structure such as tools, equipment that is already available in the community.

Continue SES, CFA education programs – more in-depth

Advertising events (more explicit in what is involved who is going to be there, expected outcomes)

Marketing that hits a point

Encourage insurance

Roof sprinklers

Talks that Keslie did in Mudgegonga well received

Fire behaviour education

Fire plan concept is good but individual plans need to link into a master plan

Fire breaks – too much emphasis on fines when individual cleared areas – trees to be cleared needing permission is too problematic

Can only prepare psychologically through experience: this is impacted by whether you expect fires in a particular area; fire plans are thrown when fire behaves in an unexpected way

Health

Need outreach support for physical and mental health

Projects to encourage community participation and supply transport for people in need

Establish a community fund

Agency websites/education/access

Recognize symptoms

Know your neighbour

Neighbour watch for mental health

Creative ideas/campaigns to create connectedness

Train people/facilitators in community – now

Ongoing health and recovery of quilting group

Memorial quilt – egg Rosewhite

Other quilting groups in other areas

Major textile project based on a mural or mosaic

Tree planting program for paddock trees as a memorial

Memorial avenue of trees for each community (each community to decide – native/exotics)- e.g. Barwidgee reserve, Reform Hill

Increased opportunities for more groups (photography etc)

Service club involvement for special nights

Oral story

Annual community event

Interest based groups e.g. walking/cycling/photography

More dynamic landcare program e.g. gardening

Restore the Myrtleford war memorial and tie it to a memorial garden for those who lost their lives – have one main memorial area.

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Have a memorial for past and present volunteers to inspire future volunteers. In every community have a place to honour volunteers as heroes, for their and the community’s stories to be told.

Find a way to tell the community story, to share with young and the next generation and visitors to the area what amazing achievements this community has made. Celebrate this community sense of purpose/share the regions history and success stories so that it can be build on and added to by future generations.

A type of art prize to celebrate and demonstrate the resilience and character of this community.

Follow up mental health up to 3/4 years after the event

Case mangers were good

Consistent approach to how government handles all emergences i.e. case managers, field officers

Maintain and upgrade netball courts with change rooms and first aid

Playground equipment at Mudgegonga – important to attract children. Dederang community Hall as a neighbourhood safer place and building up grade

Defibrillators and ox y-vivas for memorial halls at Rosewhite, Dederang and Mudgegonga

Education for people about sensitivity/about what words help. for example “ Are you happy now you have a bigger house/at least your block is cleared up /you have made a lot of money”

Build another ‘Ranger” – gets people together

Buddy system to keep an eye on each other

People who live alone may not have people checking in on them

What one thing…..

Community foundation fund to allow us to implement as many of the ideas as possible into the future to meet all the community’s needs that make up the broader community. This will give us flexibility to cost share with other agencies/government bodies in pro-active sustainability.

Leadership -build up local volunteers and local leaders. Heal the land through education. Heal the people through arts – nurture, advice, more speakers such as Rob Gordon; engage with men and young people.

A community fund would give us time to think about better ways of spending the money and help focus communities. It would need to have community control (rather than Council control). It would get a lot of people involved on an ongoing basis. We feel pressure to spend $ today is too short to decide quickly.

Communication infra structure project that will bring all communities together: Mudgegonga/Bruarong/Rosewhite/Bright/Beechworth/Whorouly/Murmugee/Mt Beauty – work across municipal boundaries to link all communities together.

Water – a system of static water supplies. Availability of water across the region. Community bores with solar pumps

Projects around every level of communication: honoring our heroes across generations, building communication towers and teaching people how to use communication tools

Memorial quilt; people in the community are the most important – ensuring halls are an essential part of building communities

Coordinating fire plans across each district and training on how to do a fire plan

Management of erosion and tree planting – memorial walk

Special groups –

Elderly & sick (house bound) need specific transport for evacuation

CFA debriefing on fires – other workers too

People that are isolated, young families, school groups, people without

Transport

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APPENDIX B

Individual Community Comments

Fire, Floods & Earthquake

Dean Cerneka Victorian Bushfire Survivor.

Tuesday, 20 September 2011

The following comments are from my direct in situ observations following the 2009 Victorian Bushfires, Australia, the 2011 Queensland Floods, Australia and the 2011 Christchurch Earthquake in New Zealand.

My involvement following the three disasters was essentially in a community relief and recovery capacity. To provide for on site advice and to assist in a voluntary capacity with relief distribution across communities and to provide an evolving advocacy and support base where ever needed.

This commentary is informed by direct involvement with affected individuals, communities, key lead response and recovery agencies, local, State and Federal bodies. It is commentary from being in the very epicentre of some of the worst affected area of the disasters.

In summary the following are my own observations and opinions and apply to all three recent disasters.

Community relief and recovery evolves from a moment immediately following the disaster of absolute chaos through a timeline to a point sometime in the future of a coherent and somewhat semi co coordinated response. It has always been in the early days post disaster where relief and recovery is community initiated. This community response is generally by those in the community less affected then those they are helping. With regards to the relief centres that spring up generally close to where they are needed they then become manned with additional personal from volunteers and many different agencies both government and non government agencies.

It is my opinion that there is a lack in skill sets for many of the operational personal assigned the task in assisting at these relief centres. I have seen this contribute to the dysfunction and lack of support for survivor’s at all three disasters. I believe this also contributes to the anxiety experienced by survivors.

More broadly there is a clear lack of communication provided both to survivors and also between relief centres minimising the interconnection and distribution of aid.

Priority seems to be given to rescue and recovery of individuals often to the detriment of the relief needed early by survivors. This was particularly true in Kinglake West Bushfires and also in the Christchurch Earthquake.

Communication and information often is most affective by survivor to survivor as the need for information early is paramount. Much of the support offered was opt in and conditional. There often seems to be a platform of positioning both from an agency perspective and also from a political standpoint.

The case management service offered to the Victorian Bushfire survivors was an excellent and very worthwhile service. Other agency attempts at outreach in all three disasters seemed very much tokenism. This is not to diminish affective outreach which has and may have occurred by a host of NGO and government agencies.

The use of local knowledge is imperative and should be considered extremely valuable. From an operational perspective relief and recovery is also dealing in a dynamic of understanding local power dynamics and key community members whom become heavily involved in the relief and recovery effort. Often these individuals have no prior community development experience but have important and valuable skills in assisting their respective communities. These

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individuals can also however add to monopolising aid and can opt into the bureaucratic system contributing to delays. Aid and support delivery needs to be a coherent well organised process. Summary of thoughts and observations in general terms: Below are key points

Better training for people and organisations deploying workers into disaster response roles. This could and should include briefing from disaster survivors to highlight the importance of compassion and empathy in dealing with disaster victims

Better and fairer distribution of aid and a system which delivers this outcome

Minimise the false sense of security by government and non government bodies with regards to risk to communities (another way to state this point would be to significantly increase the emphasis of possible death and destruction from disaster etc).

A more genuine use of local knowledge and employment of local people with appropriate skills for community development roles

Targeted outreach programs shifting the approach from key welfare agencies from an opt in to an opt out approach. Provide a tiered approach to support and programs that “capture” and “target” at risk sectors of the community.

Dean Cerneka Ms Soc Sci (Env & Plan) RMIT

Resident Taggerty – Rita Harris What has worked well? Case managers, great, as government stuff very hard to deal with and government agencies generally unhelpful to folk as opposed to government employee. When very tired, stressed, traumatized haven’t got the energy to see things through and remember everything. Also literature about grants etc. seemed to disqualify just about everyone and be hard to understand, so you just thought it was no use applying; case managers thought differently. Costs and access to information for rural people is very hard and the case managers and Enewsletters helped a lot to know what was available After the drought we would not have been clothed if it was not for aid centres, even though we had to travel to Yarra Glen every few months for food as we had no cash and it was a long way to travel What could be improved and how?

Having a house burnt down is terrible, but there are others who stayed, fought, remained, lost their livelihood and had responsibilities they could not leave and they were forgotten and missed out on much of what was on offer, especially if they did not live in a town. At Taggerty, there was nothing for weeks for anyone, and that has really stayed the same through out the 2 years. Better screening of contract workers would mean some people got better help sooner, or were better served. Buildings may be more visible, but they are not what makes a community viable, businesses employ and offers services and suffer much after fires as do small farmers who usually don’t qualify for anything What key messages would you pass on to other communities after a disaster? Expect to do it yourself, anything else is a bonus, if you are not on a high street, forget it Expect to fall in between huge cracks and have to think laterally to find ways to qualify for help It will be a long process, if you need something be prepared to ask, and ask again

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Don’t rely on agencies to tell you stuff you need to know, talk to as many people as possible to find out what they have found out Do not discuss anything with other people; it causes a lot of friction and dissatisfaction Be prepared for betrayal by friends and neighbours, it can be every man for himself; and don ’t expect your employees at the shires to help, they are by nature parasites. If you’ve got what you need that’s enough to worry about, other people will be judging you too Never waste time looking for the truth behind the disaster, you probably already know, and it will never be publicly acknowledged Get ready for next time, as things rarely change after a disaster People you don’t know will come into your life from outside who will become lifelong friends, and people you will never meet will offer to help, don’t take it for granted Those who survive talk a different language to those who didn’t, don’t just spill your guts to all and sundry it will wear you out Have your health checked regularly as you go into the second year, it all starts to catch up with you, and you may not be aware of it Take any leisure or breaks you can, when you are running on empty for months at a time you need to put something back in the tank; you will be more effective when you come back A very private experience will eventually become very public, this is stressful and you need to protect yourself if you are feeling vulnerable; they don’t need to know it all and you can choose who, when and how Find something to laugh about! Lighten up (our mantra)

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Comments from Group Officer Peter Rice AFSM – Alexandra District Fire Brigades Group - Country Fire Authority & Presenter Community Radio UGFM

1. What worked well?

With such loss of life and devastation within the Murrindindi Shire on 7th February, 2009 and during the weeks that followed, it would be easy to say that nothing worked well. But, I do not believe this to be the case. Despite the appalling losses without the intervention of many there is little doubt the toll would have been far, far greater. From a fire suppression viewpoint the fires were contained mainly late on the Saturday night, in the populated areas. Whilst weather conditions had moderated from being absolutely atrocious the fire agencies did do an amazing job to actually halt the blazes that were at that time burning in a predominantly northerly direction after the earlier wind change. Additionally, by late Saturday night many resources had been moved to protect towns that may have been in the fire path and numerous large control lines were completed or under construction. The arrival of additional fire fighting resources from distant places including interstate also had a positive impact. Also, in many areas, scores of vulnerable structures were saved by the fire services and others that had gone into asset protection mode as it was impossible in many areas to contain the huge fronts and flanks of the mega fires. Whilst many buildings were destroyed hundreds were saved. By night a number of relief centres had been established and whilst overburdened with numbers basic services including catering, medical and bedding was becoming available. From an incident management viewpoint Incident Control Centres were working although overwhelmed with the enormity of the situation. Divisional Command structures were also in place and the Municipal Emergency Coordination Centre was operating under enormous pressure. Operationally the establishment of large scale base camps and staging areas during the early hours of Sunday, 8th February was extremely positive and enhanced the mammoth fire fighting efforts. In fact, the Alexandra Base Camp was serving up to 5000 meals a day to the emergency services and is reputed to have been the largest of its type ever utilised in Australia. Whilst warnings to the general public has been discussed widely including in the Bushfires Royal Commission the Murrindindi Shire community radio station, UGFM, did receive considerable praise for the information it issued during ‘Black Saturday’ and in the days and weeks following. Obviously information during the fires was a major issue in many areas and has received enormous attention since. Vastly different procedures are now in place for the future. UGFM commenced broadcasting information after the Kilmore fire started in general terms and at 3-16pm announced another outbreak had commenced near Murrindindi Mill. As the fire progressed along the Black Range updates were given, from limited information available, for communities south east of the fire front. Spotting distances of up to 25 kilometres made intelligence a major problem. However, UGFM, who accessed most of its information from local sources, received numerous letters of praise from residents who contribute the saving of their lives and properties to the information UGFM was able to provide. Certainly an aspect that worked well! At Alexandra the provision of extra doctors to the local hospital to allow it to operate a badly needed 24 hour casualty department was a good move and assisted the local community for some weeks. Also the availability of ambulance strike teams with additional paramedics was wise and very beneficial along with additional medical facilities that were provided at other locations across the Shire. This medical activation at state level seems to have worked well.

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Community meetings conducted in many areas during the emergency I also consider went well and were helpful to many generally. Another area that worked well and that many can be proud of is the great willingness of locals and people from further afield to help out when the Shire was in diabolical trouble. Whether it was service clubs, businesses, government, shire, individuals, emergency service members or whatever the way every one worked together was something many can be proud of. It was Australians helping Australians in their hour of need! This is something I witnessed on a huge scale and it made me proud.

2. What needs to be improved and how?

The major area that needs improving in my opinion is for community involvement, recognition, preparation and preplanning. In fire prone areas and other locations susceptible to emergencies such as floods and other disasters every person has to be involved all the year round. This includes undertaking fire prevention work around their own properties and particularly in the locality of prime assets. Whether this involves constructing buffer zones, reducing fuel, removing and/or lopping easily ignitable trees and scrub, setting up fire fighting equipment such as pumps (non electric), water sprays, and removing flammable fuel such as leaves, twigs, etc. It also includes a daily appreciation of the local fire danger rating. Special measures should apply to houses built in very high to extreme fire risk areas. It is also imperative that residents know how to access emergency information on forecast high fire danger days and for other emergencies. A continuous monitoring is essential as well as keeping a watch for changing conditions outside. Mains electricity should not be relied upon as this inevitably fails during emergencies. An area that needs improving is safe areas or havens. Since the Bushfires Royal Commission Neighbourhood Safer Places have been established in some areas and more will be identified during the next few years. These are places “of last resort”. There is also a likelihood that a number of refuges will be developed for communities over a period of time and preliminary work is being completed to set standards and protocols currently. I believe it was a backward move when refuges were dispensed with about a decade ago. Funding for these and liability issues need to be finalized as a priority. This area needs much more work and development. Communities need to be actively involved and once these places are operational all residents need to be aware of the locations as well as transport options. I consider more work needs to be carried out identifying vulnerable people such as the disabled and elderly and those that reside in very high fire risk areas. More planning is needed to prepare these people and to keep them safe when a fire or other situation develops. Plans need to be in place and widely distributed as to what needs to occur as well as who is responsible to take quick and positive action when needed. Road traffic points created much concern during the 2009 fires. Although new procedures are now in place the public generally has not been told of the changes. There needs to be a State Government publicity and advertising program to educate Victorians on the current arrangements in regards to road blocks. Since 2009 Command & Control arrangements for major fires has undertaken a huge change and much, much more emphasis is now placed on timely, accurate and specific warnings using various methods. But, it is important that everyone understands that under some circumstances fires will not be controllable. It is essential that all Victorians plan for this situation and has their own individual arrangements in place that are constantly reviewed. Do not rely on main roads always being open. Powerlines have traditionally been a major cause of fires on extreme days. It is well documented that many major fires have been ignited by lines clashing, fuses emitting sparks and other issues. Whether it was the major fires of 1977, 1983 or 2009 there is little doubt that much more has to done to make electrical equipment in rural areas safer and a long term program need to be commenced to see this happen. SWER lines, particularly need rapid

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attention and bunding or under grounding needs to be progressively implemented. Other options also need investigation, consideration and Implementation over time. On the recovery side of things whilst much has been done I do feel there has been a lack of appreciation of several issues. Firstly, the general economic impact across the broader community; and not just the fire affected areas. The whole of the Murrindindi fire is still suffering substantially as a result of the fires and whilst efforts are being made to rebuild in the burnt areas there does not seem to be much assistance to other affected areas. I refer to Alexandra which as a service area for Marysville, Narbethong, Buxton etc which is finding it very hard going at present with many businesses suffering and many empty shops. There needs to be more assistance to the WHOLE of the Shire. Yea and Eildon are two other areas that are feeling the aftermath considerably and suffering economically. I also believe additional federal government support should have been provided to the area in general. State support has been satisfactory generally given financial constraints but federally the support offered by the then Prime Minister has not been a forthcoming to the Shire, as a whole, as it should have been. Additionally, the psychological impacts of the fires on so many have been extremely substantial. Many are not coping well. Some are only now starting to fall apart. There is a need for massive on-going support in this area which will take years more to treat and resolve. Constant ongoing research into bushfire behaviour and the effects of weather must be maintained and probably enhanced especially the south westerly wind change during a fire as this is usually when most damage occurs. On ‘Black Saturday’ most lives were lost and damage occurred after the wind direction turned. 3. What information would you provide for future communities faced with a disaster? This is a complex question. In the four days prior to 7th February, 2009 once it became known that horrific fire conditions were going to occur huge efforts were made to alert everyone of the likelihood of a major disaster. Locally many explicit warnings were issued using all available means. Some people got the message but it also seems some did not. I believe the main message that has to be got to everyone, repeat everyone, is that if the forecast is for Code Red Conditions or approaching this level of danger persons residing in high fire risk areas need to make a definite decision the day prior as to their plans and evacuation to a safe environment the night prior or very early on the day of danger needs to be a very serious consideration. Residents during a fire danger period also need to have a good understanding of local fire danger, fuel loads and curing and how weather over preceding weeks has impacted the fire risk in their locality. If they are unsure or need advice this should be sought as this may well affect survival chances and has to be done prior to bad fire weather arriving. Without this research and information a decision of what to do is very difficult and hard to formulate the best plans. One important factor that needs to be stressed to communities is that some fires are not controllable irrespective of what may be done. Residents must in many areas understand this and plan accordingly. Fire danger varies from area to area. Any town or community that has forest within it or nearby is far more vulnerable than a town situated in grasslands. As long as the grass in these towns within and adjoining is well cut and hazards are kept to a minimum these town will generally survive. The same with a rural homestead that has minimal vegetation around it and few hazards. Nearby terrain and aspect also has an impact on survivability as well as tree types. I also believe the information provided to every resident needs to make it explicitly clear how they can closely and continuously monitor fire warnings and information when fire danger is increasing and that they understand the fire danger ratings during every fire danger period. This also applies to other possible emergencies such as floods and wind storms, etc.

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Helen Goodman – Hub and NGO Kinglake

1. What worked well?

2. What needs to be improved and how it can be improved?

3. What key messages would you pass on to communities for future reference?

Lyn. I am sorry I haven't managed to attend to this. I am now in the throws of welcoming home our two sons - one of whom arrived last night after 12 months away and the other tonight after 2.5 years away. The person I am acting for is returning Monday week and we will have three weeks of overlap. So I am under the pump preparing myself to leave the role and pass on as much as I can. I am sure others have provided rich comment and you will have the key issues in there. What you I add? (in a few short minutes?) My strongest comments would be around the idea of 'deliberative dialogue' - that effort and resources be put into key parties from government, services and communities coming together and having structured and purposeful conversations about how to build in collaboration and cooperation into emergency planning; that these plans work on how key parties can work together in a mutually respectful manner, to what end, with what resources. Then develop, into a plan, a system and resources for monitoring and acting on iterative feedback as events unfold. Then after the event, again that some collaborative structures be developed which recognised the fact that no one group can manage on their own - that all elements are needed - community voice, service systems, government, non government, volunteers, emergent groups. These structures need to be resourced and early and repetitive work needs to occur to keep the goal of mutual respect in the tasks at hand. Trauma will lead to even further polarised opinions and real effort needs to be made to monitor and intervene in these polarities. This will require outside resources and skills as well, maintaining the dialogue in an ongoing manner. The service system as a system in itself needs to be expected to be collaborative also - and work to break down barriers to effectively using each others' resources for the benefit of the community. Again, this requires resources, and also the conceptual frameworks to facilitate this. It also requires leadership. This needs to be negotiated and clarified, again, iteratively. Helen Goodman, who worked in the Kinglake Ranges from June 2009 to October 2011, firstly for DHS in the role of Hub Captain, Kinglake and Kinglake West (until March 2011). and subsequently as Acting Manager of the CatholicCare Bushfire Community Recovery Service

Helen Goodman Acting Manager Bushfire Community Recovery Service CatholicCare

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Brief Discussion about the Recovery Process after Black Saturday 7th February 2009. Doug Walter

Before the Fire; Some 2 years before Black Saturday my wife and I, together with our neighbours prepared very thoroughly for just such an event. We met regularly with our neighbours, we attended CFA preparedness briefings, we developed fire plans, we set up an emergency contact list, we purchased serious fire fighting equipment and gear and we practiced, we established our own UHF radio network on the (correct in the event) assumption that in a big fire, power would fail, telephone communications would fail and probably mobile telephone communications would also fail. At about 4.30pm on Black Saturday all three services failed and stayed that way for about 2 weeks. But we were able to communicate by radio with our neighbours. A life saving initiative. (Our neighbourhood has now established a UHF Repeater Station on a local high hill so our broader neighbourhood can communicate in the event of another emergency when all else fails.) Our local Councillor at the time, Janet Gilmore, tried for months before the fire to get the people of Marysville to realize the danger they were in and prepare. Janet was frustrated by thundering complacency. On the 7th February: It was clear that if we chose to stay and defend we were on our own. In fact shortly after the fire we were very distressed to read an article by the CFA stating that “we were expendable”. We did not expect any help nor did we get any. It is also annoying to note that although my neighbours and ourselves were impacted on the fire in our area and stopped it progressing into more densely settled areas we received no formal recognition or acknowledgement. In fact the opposite was the case. In a letter to the local paper a month or two after the fire an anonymous author wrote: “THANK YOU In the aftermath of the bushfires of Feb 2009, and the thanking, many times of the official departments, community groups, volunteers etc etc (too many to mention) LETS NOT FORGET the private individuals who stayed to fight the fires, whether by choice or circumstance. The actions of these quiet achievers (unsung heroes) need to be acknowledged, many who, having saved or lost their own property also helped to save neighbouring properties, and in quite a few instances were responsible for saving lives. You all know who you are. Well done! Signed; the Forgotten” At 4.30am on the morning of the 8th February, after we had beaten the main fire front and saved our house, my wife and I saw, through the dense smoke, red and blue flashing lights coming up our road. We ran to our front gate to find it was a NSW CFA unit that was lost. The Captain told me they had had no briefing, had no maps. They had been told to go to the base of the Cathedral and fight the fire. Had they done that there was a real chance they would have been a statistic. There was no 'back door'. Major spot fires and flare ups continued in our immediate neighborhood for more than 2 weeks after the main fire. With our neighbors, we became a highly efficient flare up spotting and killing team. Immediate Aftermath and Response:

We were cut off from the world for a fortnight. Police set up roadblocks and would not let us out. These police were mostly from NSW and were very officious and unbending. They had been given their instructions without discretion to use common sense. We were desperate. At one stage we got out but were not allowed back in. The Chief Commissioner promised us wrist

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bands to allow us to pass the road blocks. She promised us immediate action. Over two years later we still don't have the wrist bands. Perhaps we are not going to get them. We camped in our home. We had our first hot meal, cooked by a friend nearly two weeks later. There were many major problems. We were running out of food, we were running out of fuel for our vehicles and fire fighting pumps. We were exhausted being too concerned to sleep other than fitfully and having to rush out to fight flare ups at all hours of the night and day. This went on for a fortnight. We knew less about our situation than people in Canada and Paris. Some days after the fire a soldier came to our door and asked if we had fresh water. We did. I had burnt my arm and was treated by a nurse neighbor until we could get out. If it was possible to travel to Alexandra the services provided by the army, welfare agencies and government departments was first class. The problem for us was these services were inaccessible because of the road blocks. If we got out there was no guarantee we would be allowed back in. We eventually, driven by desperation, took it in turns with our neighbours to run the gauntlet to get supplies. At one stage a group of about 100 locals, all wanting to get home, were driven to near violence until the police relented after consulting his Sergeant. A week after the fire we were listed as 'Missing” twice. The police came to our property the first time ticked our names off then promptly lost the list. They had to come again after a second report. Because we stayed and defended we were isolated from any support and services. We are still waiting! After our power and telephone were reconnected (two weeks later, the underground wires had melted) I received a phone call from our local Federal Member of Parliament (Fran Bailey) asking me if I would be prepared to be a part of a community team she was putting together to interact with Government, Welfare agencies, Philanthropists and service providers. I agreed. At the first meeting of what was called The Marysville & Triangle Development Group (MATDG) I was elected Chairman. We incorporated the group shortly thereafter. As a result of this experience I witnessed first hand the impact the bureaucracy had on fire affected people. Their lack of understanding, compassion and soul destroying political game playing with peoples lives and hopes for the future. Frankly the Recovery and Rebuilding phases were handled abysmally badly by the Government and their agent VBRRA. The Government would not listen. VBRRA & the Government Within a couple of weeks of the fire the Federal and State Governments established the Victorian Bushfires Reconstruction and Recovery Authority. (VBRRA). The first officer in charge was Major General John Cantwell who ran the response and recovery like a military operation with centralized control. Cantwell was accessible, friendly, understanding, compassionate and worked tirelessly. This system of management worked extremely well and the recovery was progressing well. Cantwell was withdrawn. Christine Nixon, recently unseated as Victorian Chief Commissioner of Police, was appointed as VBRRA's head. VBRRA then became an inefficient ugly bureaucracy. All the locals hated it. Even early on people started saying “The recovery is worse than the fire.” The community had to fight VBRRA and the Government every inch to make any progress. The lack of understanding and insensitivity was monumental. Only with the threat of public exposure were some issues won. Then VBRRA and the Government were there at the inevitable 'launch' to take the credit and have their photos taken. Such hypocrisy! I, as Chairman of MATDG, began to make public statements on national radio, print media and on television reflecting what the community were saying, that VBRRA and the Government were failing us. I contended that the VBRRA model was fundamentally flawed. I then started to receive thinly veiled threats from senior VBRRA staff and was told in no uncertain terms to 'shut up'. This heavy campaign to silence me reached a peak on a visit to Canberra to visit Prime Minister Rudd. VBRRA was petrified about what I, and our delegation might say to him.

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From an early date we were aware that there were those in VBRRA, the Government and their sycophantic minions who were lying to us and to the community. Raising hopes and expectations without ever intending to fulfil promises. Sometimes these fibs had serious consequences especially those relating to the provision of mental health services to victims. The impact of these falsehoods has an ongoing effect in our community. The creation of the CRC in the Marysville district is a story of deceit and lies in itself. MATDG was elected by the community in an open meeting chaired by Mal James CEO of the Australian Children’s Trust. VBRRA, despite public utterances to the contrary, was concerned they would not be able to control a popular community elected group so, in connivance with the local Council, they picked a small group of 'friends' who's strings they could pull. The community hated this disenfranchisement of their own properly elected group. VBRRA took no notice. In the event VBRRA achieved absolutely nothing. They created division, disharmony and distrust. This imposed on a fire shattered community. It was a disgrace! The centralized management model used by the military should have been continued with Cantwell in charge. Murrindindi Shire Council Lyn Gunter, a much loved figure in our community, was one out in trying to look after the interests of our community. She suffered enormously because she alone stuck up for the people. A lone voice much maligned by the uncaring few who selfishly and quite overtly contested to get her job as Mayor. There is no doubt the task the Shire faced was way beyond them. They could never admit it...to the considerable detriment of the local people. When offered skills, resources, help and money by the Gold Coast Council the Shire CEO rejected this offer preferring to let his staff struggle against the massive task confronting them and the anger of the community. The Councillors, with the exception of Lyn Gunter, ignored the pleas from their own people. That lack of care and understanding continues today. If the State Government had understood what was required they would have suspended the Council, appointed an administrator with wide powers and expertise in this sort of recovery and rebuilding process. That administrator would be properly resourced and empowered to get the job done. Royal Commission I was invited to make 3 submissions to the Bushfires Royal Commission. One on my own behalf relating the pro-active initiatives our group of neighbours took which worked so well in defending our properties and ourselves. In particular the UHF network and its success. The second was on behalf of the Taggerty community. The third related to the dangers of major commercial timber plantations in close proximity to residential dwellings in this era of small holdings and close rural settlement. I was subsequently invited to appear and made a presentation along the lines indicated. Like, I would contend, most fire effected people I was disappointed with the Royal Commissions Terms of Reference and the almost inevitable findings. Predictably the Terms of Reference constrained the direction the Commission might take. I felt its outcomes and findings were being manoeuvred. In subsequent discussions with a past State Coroner and listening to Jack Rush QC I believe the Royal Commission did not get to the nub of the issues behind the fires nor did their findings set the State up to prevent a recurrence of these tragic events. There needs to be a new investigation, a reopening of the case utilizing the skills of the Coroner and other experts with the sole purpose of finding ways to stop it happening again. Speaking widely to people who lived through Black Saturday they say without exception that they wanted the Royal Commission to stop it ever happening again to any one else. I fervently believe the Royal Commission did not achieve that goal.

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Two Years Plus On

A new State Government has effectively disbanded VBRRA. The new Government has agreed to adopt the Royal Commissions findings. Will, in my view, do little good. Almost without exception all initiatives to help the fire effected communities has come from the people themselves. People have given up on Government. People are concerned that the same failed model will be used in flood and cyclone damaged Queensland. Senior VBRRA people are now working for the Prime Minister.

The new State Government has thrown itself into helping overcome the failings of the previous regime – big job. (That is an observation not a political comment) People in Marysville and the district still live in temporary homes. Red tape and bureaucracy has played a major and ongoing part in creating this delay. The Government promised to slash red tape.

Fire effected people are nervous whenever they hear a heavy helicopter. Fire effected people hate the sight of smoke. Fire effected people dread future long, hot, dry summers. Fire effected people have lost faith totally with Government and their agencies – Government has shown they don't understand, don't listen, don't care and cannot stop playing politics. Many fire affected people have left the district never to return. Our community needs a champion who will understand, but I'm not holding my breath.

It is going to be a very, very long road back.

Key Messages

Do not use the VBRRA model. Use the military style Central Control model as used by Major Gen Cantwell. Suspend Councils and appoint an administrator expert and skilled in response, recovery and rebuilding. Resource and empower the administrator appropriately. Governments must listen to the effected communities and act quickly. They must be seen to 'kick an early goal'. Gives people hope that things are going to get back to 'normal'. It is important for communities to see things happening. But the right things at the right time.

Only the community can answer that. Governments need to get fair dinkum about learning from our experiences. Badger your local member Federal and State. Governments and opposition must be bipartisan in sorting out issues confronting disaster affected communities. They, and their bureaucrats, must not play politics with fragile peoples lives. Royal Commissions need to have total freedom to get to the causes and the solutions.

Prepare early...do not be complacent. The community cannot rely on Government...at all. Stick together as a community...united there is power. Decide as a community what is needed and do not let anybody stop it being achieved. Do not take 'no' for an answer. Threaten exposure in the media. Do it if you don't get results. Meet regularly as a community so what is really needed is known. Get all promises from Governments and bureaucrats in writing. Make them public. Lock them in. If someone in the system is not doing the job, go higher and higher till you do get results. Communities should elect their own representative groups and not allow Government, Council, the bureaucracy or anyone else imposes 'representation'. Have a laugh. Be positive. Keep busy. Take long holidays. Help others. Enjoy life. Smile!

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Resident Buxton Julia Folletta

1. See my submission to the Bushfire Royal Commission - apart from the personal slant it gives an accurate list of what I went through in sequence. 2. The Bushfire Information Line did not work on the day - for me. 3. The police did not seem to consider properties that were 'off the road' like me. They went S of Buxton but maybe they ran out of time once Buxton was burning! 4. In the thick smoke the emergency services flashing lights at intersections e.g. Taggerty Thornton Rd were the only indications of where we were as we travelled along the highway. 5. Alexandra as a base swung into action quickly. I have a huge collection of photos of things happening on the night, the next day etc. 6. The local police lost their powers to recognize locals and allow them back to their properties to check stock etc. For some people the police issued forms in Alexandra to allow people through roadblocks were not recognized by the visiting police. 7. Residents (e.g. in Buxton) who stayed and defended needed supplies and fuel. This was only available in Alex - but if they left they were not allowed back!! 8. YOU and your visits (most times with Brendan) will never be forgotten by the people of Marysville - a hug and a listening ear. 9. I am not out to criticize Christine Nixon but there were promises she made, possibly due to misinformation, that were not fact e.g. - all burnt properties will be surveyed. This was, I think, only the front boundaries. 10. Much of the aid concentrated on people in the towns. It took much longer to get recognition of the needs of the rural landholders. 11. The case management system and hubs worked well but there are a lot of people, men especially, who were too 'proud' or 'macho' to utilize this system. I think these men are still suffering, as are their families. 12. MATDG did a fantastic job as did the Australian Children's Trust and Kim Wilkie - they made independent decisions and forged ahead and utilized the capabilities of the local community members. 13. The volunteers - much appreciated BUT we were in shock mode and, in the long run, maybe it would have been better to wait and call in the experts - especially for fencing etc. 14. My stock agent was fantastic - organizing agistment elsewhere but I had to keep some cattle here. There was nothing for cattle to eat and the feed companies donated stock pellets and the agents delivered them promptly. The hay - well! Some was good; some was full of thistles and weeds. 15. Offer of free vet visits for fire affected animals - BUT had trouble getting through the road blocks.

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Recovery Feedback from Rita & Tony 1. immediately during / after the fires 1.1 What has worked well? (This is from the perspective of Taggerty, where we know circumstances best)

Local CFA was very well organized although they didn’t have enough volunteers for both fire fighting and support services (catering etc.)

The local shop owners did an outstanding 24 hour service to the community, being open literally around the clock, providing food, serving as a hub for community to get information and supplies, and also as a first aid station for injured wildlife

DSE staff, who engaged in fire fighting operations did also a great job saving farmland and farm houses adjacent to the bushfires with clever firebreaks and back burn operations.

UHF radios proved to be essential. During the night of the fires, many dramas were prevented because residents could tune into the CFA channel and/or call for others to get help or warn others before spot fires arrived. UHF radios were also used in the weeks when the fire was still burning in the region to tackle spot fire flare-ups, especially during the night. One or two persons with UHF’s were standing guard on a roster system, while others could get rest.

Those households with stand-alone solar systems (not grid connected) became information/communication hubs because their internet still worked even when power was turned off in the region. That was vital when generators stopped working (low oxygen supply during fires) or diesel supplies got scarce because petrol stations in the area were either destroyed or ran out of supply.

1.2 What could be improved and how?

Some of the visiting fire trucks and army personnel got lost. Make sure they have GPS and a local on their truck.

Roadblocks were handled very rigidly and caused a lot of trouble for people to get to their supplies, drinking water from the general store. Either they were not allowed to get there, or once they were there, they were then not allowed to go back to their farms. It took too long to have the wristband mechanism installed. So, we basically all cheated and drove trough our neighbours paddocks and forestry roads to get off and onto our places – which actually increases OHS risks, especially in a bushfire situation.

Communication is essential and could be improved in many ways. Firstly, on a bushfire day there should be one or several phone trees in operation in each Ward, triggered by the CFA and then implemented by the local community. The phone tree should especially focus on elderly persons and persons who live alone and in remote areas.

Unfortunately, many remote households had no UHF radio. We tried to get a bulk buy going in the first week after Feb. 7 to get as many UHF radios out there and train people who were living in or close to the fire area. We struggled with receiving funding assistance but managed to get about 40 households in the Cathedral Range and Rubicon area trained in UHF within the two weeks after Feb 7th.

Promote and support the acquisition of stand-alone solar for some homes and sheds.

Within the 24-48 hours after the fire catastrophe one or several councillors, e.g. the one from the affected ward, and the ones from neighbouring not-directly affected wards, and senior council staff, should have repeatedly visited the affected areas and gone to community hubs, etc. showing their empathy and starting hands-on with assistance. This didn’t really happen for Marysville& Triangle. Therefore, the presidents of the existing community groups came together and began organizing help and started to liaise with authorities directly.

Unfortunately, many senior council staff and most of the councillors did not at all understand nor approve of the self-organizing mechanism that comes into play in a community during and in the immediate aftermath of catastrophic events. Instead of

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working with these semi-formal structures (MATDG, MOCA and others), senior staff and some councillors were directly opposed and even hostile towards them, labelling the community group leaders as “ring leaders” that needed to kept busy or at bay of important decision-making. This completely immature appreciation of the situation by senior council staff led to an “Us and Them” dichotomy that gravely hindered the remainder of the entire recovery process. Much effort had to be made to correct for this problem, and only slowly council as an institution re-gained respect from the community.

1.3 What key messages would you pass on to other communities after a disaster?

There should always be one or two local crew members on a fire truck from outside the area. Getting lost can be fatal and GPS often doesn’t work under tree canopies or in fog/dense smoke situations.

Road blocks for local residents should be handled on a case per case basis with consideration for local resident’s needs for re-stocking their supplies. The roadblocks should be administered by local police force.

Local community including high school students should be involved in the CFA catering/supply works on a roster basis to alleviate the problem of staff shortages – especially where emergency situations last for several weeks.

In addition to SMS messages issued by the CFA in the lead up to high risk bushfire days, establish and exercise a phone tree system in each Ward / with sub-trees for each township.

As part of the phone tree, establish a neighbourhood check system, whereby elderly persons, disabled and persons living alone are being checked systematically and receive help with evacuation or with supplies, if necessary. I found that many elderly folk in our area run out of basic supplies and drinking water.

Establish a network of neighbourhood groups with every household receiving training with UHF radios.

Community halls and other key buildings should be fitted with solar systems and have a dual inverter system, so that the solar system can be hooked off the grid if necessary, and be used as a standalone system.

Ensure that the CEO, senior council staff and councillors have a good understanding of community structures and personally know the board members and office bearers of leading community organizations and maintain a good ongoing working relationship with them. Invite the board members and office bearers of leading community organizations to actively participate in the preparation and implementation of Risk Assessment Plans and Emergency Operation Plans, and ask them to familiarize their memberships with these plans.

2. In the first year of the recovery process

2.1 What has worked well?

The first phase of the recovery process with army leadership worked quite well, un-bureaucratic and fast. Also, the commanding style did override arguments over different variations of some of the measures that needed to be taken quickly. On the long term, however, it isn’t sure if the army leadership would have allowed for community involvement and participation in the decision making process.

The set-up of Red Cross relief centres was very fast and effective. The generous first aid response and donations of the Australian population achieved their aim quickly.

The Upper Goulburn Landcare Network and its program coordination engaging volunteers with fencing and farm clean-up was doing outstanding work – that goes to show that Federal and State funding can be effectively managed by community driven organizations, even if they are totally independently operated and unrelated to State or Council’s organizational units.

The BAER Team did an outstanding job in analysing the effects of the bushfires on the natural environment, habitat quantity and quality, the state of flora and fauna including endangered species.

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The separate decision-making structure at council – Section 86 – has not worked well, because 90% of Council operations were driven by the bushfire context anyway. Adding another structure just added complexity.

It took Council a long time to organize a reliable and effective communication strategy that would deliver necessary information to all townships in a timely fashion.

The establishment of VBRRA and the extra arm of local government (Section 86) rendered the decision-making processes rather cumbersome and confusing. Also, community leadership that had organized itself effectively during and in the immediate aftermath of the fires, was ignored and side-lined (and even ridiculed in some instances) for a long time.

The establishment of CRC’s was done in a strange way and not very transparent – it wasn’t clear how many representatives were hand-picked by Council appointment and how many were truly elected on a qualification basis. This process didn’t receive a good note from the community. Instead, it fortified the “Them and Us” dichotomy.

Whilst the charettes organized by a star architect to allow for community input and involvement in the design of the townships and facilities the area were very positively received by the community and produced a useful start, the way that VBRRA decided on the design and location of key buildings was everything else than participatory. Key buildings, such as the Recovery Centre in the middle of the township of Marysville and the Stage 2 multi-purpose centre are made in a design that is completely opposite of what the community said they would like to see.

Unfortunately, the science-based findings of the BAER Team with regards to impacts of the fires on endangered species were ignored by State authorities in their amended Native Forest Harvesting Plans. Thus, within the same Government, one department’s decision (Vic Forest) is diametrically opposed to the objectives of another (DSE), e.g. the amended harvesting plans in the fire affected area are opposed to the biodiversity objectives.


Have army leadership deal with the most important emergency measures and recovery measures that provide for the basic needs of the community.

Let community groups and organizations do recovery work if they do it well. Don’t take it away from them! Rather, acknowledge their achievements and make council and state organizations work with them in an equal partnership.

Set up a communication strategy for emergency and catastrophic events (during and after the event) that serves all townships in a timely manner.

Don’t ignore the impacts of a disaster (Bushfire, Flood) on the natural environment. Allow sufficient protection of natural environment – especially remnant pockets of un-burnt/un-flooded habitat that serve as last refugia for fauna - and protect endangered species (EPBC listed and FFG listed) to assist their rehabilitation after fire or flood.

If you are engaging in community involvement and participation, then follow through on the recommendations of the majority of people. Don’t build something totally different in style and materials, just because this is quicker / cheaper / or provided free of charge by an architect, and easier to make, etc. If you can’t back up community participation outcomes, don’t conduct public involvement in the first place.

3. On the longer term of the recovery process (year 2 and beyond)

3.1 What has worked well?

Some of the mental health initiatives involving on-going free counseling to affected community have worked very well.

The Temporary Accommodations, including community facilities that could be used for arts / sports + leisure activities, have worked very well and were able to quickly create a new “normality” for the affected communities. People who struggled on their own blocks

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in caravans or makeshift sheds were struggling more and had less the chance to profit from community cohesion.

Free Arts Projects (writing, visual arts, music) were absolutely critical for many of the affected communities and still have a lot of regular participants, who say they need these activities to keep their mental sanity.

Especially during winter months, the covered swimming pools with warm water were an absolute magnet destination for the local population of Marysville& Triangle. It is an oasis of comfort, when everything else is cold, wet and uncomfortable. The public gym at Buxton enjoys a similar popularity.

The arrival of Bendigo Bank branch office and the Pharmacy at Marysville was an absolute success in creating a symbol that the process of development goes upwards.


The lack of assistance to SME’s was absolutely ridiculous. Whilst council staff organizes diverse business training courses that are more or less useful for business owners, VBRRA massively blew timelines in disseminating the business grants. This way, the authorities augmented uncertainty and red-tape for SME’s and slowed down the recovery process.

A lot of VBAF money has been wasted for the conduct of “feasibility studies” for projects that in the end won’t be implemented, because they are too large in the first place and would require ongoing maintenance that no body can afford, e.g. the Cathedral Ward trail project – especially when other emergencies, like the floods, come to the fore and require the State Governments attention (e.g. the trail project is far too large to be realistic). Also, previous work – e.g. planning and consultation results as part of the Urban Design Framework’s has been ignored by the private consultants that were appointed to conduct the feasibility study. This money was money spent on private consultants and didn’t really help the recovery process.

Some destinations receive a boost of funding (e.g. Lake Mountain’s new conference centre) that helps them to bigger facilities than before the fires, without having a sound demand analysis being conducted. This may be to the detriment of other locations that receive less assistance although they would have attracted higher visitor numbers.

It is also unclear, why some very large projects are set-up in remunerating the selling landowners with State money outside the market, so to speak – and developers are given the job outside the market – whereas all other businesses are not receiving such favours but are working within a competitive market environment. These different treatments induced by authorities create inequalities that are detrimental to community cohesion.


Give assistance to Small, Medium Enterprise’s in a timely, un-beaurocratic fashion;

Don’t plan for projects that are unrealistically big for an area and waste money on feasibility studies that will end up in the drawer;

Don’t create inequalities by favouring some destinations / land owners / developers of large icon sites over others or by giving them special conditions outside a competitive market environment.

Create free of charge community projects (writing, craft, arts, music) and sport and leisure hubs for the affected community to get some relief from mental and physical stress.

Offer ongoing psychological counselling in an environment that respects the privacy of the client.

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Broadcasting experiences by a Volunteer Broadcaster - during the 2009 Victorian bush fires. The weather forecast and fire warnings on that fateful Saturday, 9 February 2009, left no doubt those conditions would be horrendous at best. Our local radio station UGFM in the Shire of Murrindindi was continually monitoring the situation and broadcasting updates as new information came to hand. One has to bear in mind that we had the advantage of reliable first hand information from the three most important and reliable sources, the SES, DSE and CFA. During the initial stages the radio station’s President, being a senior officer with the local SES and expert communications officer, ensured that any new AND reliable information was put to air immediately. The station’s Vice President being the Group Controller of the CFA did likewise whilst another Committee member was and still is employed in the control room area of DSE. Consequently, at the radio station we were assured of first hand, reliable and knowledgeable information. I am a retired person, and although co-managing a caravan park with my daughter in Eildon, I would be available for broadcasting any time and during the morning I informed another Senior Broadcaster to ring me if he needed any help. This call came through early during the afternoon, when from the continuous information filtering through it became evident that we had a disaster on our hands, at that stage of unknown magnitude. This situation became more nightmarish as all communication and contact was lost with the 2 repeaters at Marysville and Flowerdale, thus limiting our ability to get messages and warnings out to the areas covered by these repeaters and fully relying on our personal contacts with SES, DSE and CFA who had huge problems with their own communications. During the afternoon the unbelievable news filtered through: “The Murrindindi Fire has destroyed Narbethong, Marysville and Buxton and is raging out of control“By this time thick smoke engulfed the entire district and electrical power was lost; it became evident that we had a major disaster on our hands. Fortunately both the Emergency Centre, located in the adjoining Shire Offices and the Radio Station were equipped with their own Diesel Generators for these eventualities. With the abovementioned Senior Officers/Broadcasters obviously fully committed elsewhere, the 2 remaining senior broadcasters, Gerry Laws and myself, decided that we definitely needed to remain on air for 24 hours during this emergency and drew up a roster with one of us being there for 12 hours each, and arranging assistance from the remaining and available presenters, also on a roster system. From previous occasions we had learned that people are very willing, especially in the beginning, with enthusiasm usually dwindling with time. As a result, in the past, we would find ourselves inundated with too many persons to assign available tasks to, and just ‘being in the way’, for the want of a better word, and when suitable people were needed, no-one would be

available and/or interested. As we realized that this was going to be a lengthy event, it was important to have appropriately qualified people to work together with the Senior Broadcaster who would have absolute control over Radio Station operations. At the peak of operations it was found most beneficial to have the regular, rostered-on broadcaster present his or her regular program from Studio 2, which could be under broken at ANY time by the Senior Broadcaster, who would be located in Studio 1.

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Information would be received from direct radio links with the various Emergency Services, via Fax transmission, telephone or Email. At the peak of operations the 2-way Radio would be manned and a second person would check telephone, Fax and Email. All information would be written and passed on to the Senior Broadcaster who would then decide on what information would/have to go to air and also determine priority. For matters of high priority the ‘regular’ broadcast would be interrupted for as long as necessary, whilst regular updates regarding locations of fires, weather forecasts, road closures etc. were broadcast at intervals as deemed necessary. Evacuees from the fire affected areas were starting to stream into Alexandra where various organisations had sprung into action to find accommodation, provide food and drink, lend a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. The latter became a task for EVERYONE. I remember at one stage going into the Emergency Control Centre and meeting the then Deputy Mayor Kevin Bellingham, who looked rather dazed and forlorn. He told me that he had lost everything in Buxton, including the Mayoral car which he had as the Mayor was away in Queensland. He still considered himself ’lucky’ as he brought his car AND caravan which at least gave him and his wife a roof over their heads and some clothes to wear. I cannot remember how many friends and complete strangers I have hugged, men and women. Usually not a word was said, a hug is all that was needed! From that moment on virtually all my time was spent inside the Radio Station for the next 10 days or so. This whole situation brought back memories to me to the time when my home city in the Netherlands was bombed, by mistake, by Allied Forces during the later stages of WW2, and later that year, September 1944, the entire CBD was destroyed after 3 days of very bitter fighting, and at the young age of 11 years I was confronted with destruction, misery and death, and on a few occasions had to find shelter quickly when some more bombs were heading our way. It also brought back memories to the devastating ’Ash Wednesday Bushfires’ of 1983, where in the course of my employment with the then CRB I was deployed at the Mt. Macedon Emergency Control Centre, as part of the fledgling Displan Organisation. My task was to liaise with the various Emergency Services and the then CRB Head Office, via the local Police Commander, who had absolute control. Any requests for equipment were made to the Police Commander who then delegated, say to me, if the request was reasonable and could be met. After due consideration, inspection, consultation, I would report back to the Police Commander who would then issue the official request to me for the equipment. This system appeared to be working quite well as I remember that in one instance a Fire Captain from the Fire front asked for the biggest bull dozer to be sent to him. Unfortunately this very well meaning Captain did not realize that ’the biggest bull dozer’ takes about 2 days to be shipped and assembled for action, needing special road transport permits, pilot cars, police escort, etc. Neither was this man, nor was he supposed to be, conversant with the capabilities of this type of machinery, as in the abovementioned instance, in order to clear fire breaks, the original request was for say a D12 type of bulldozer, whereas all that was REALLY needed, was a D4 type bulldozer, which was relatively easy to supply and transport, whereas the smaller type dozer was much easier to manoeuvre and faster than the originally requested one, hence could work more efficiently and more economically. During the subsequent de-briefing meetings it became abundantly clear that it was of the utmost importance to have qualified and experienced persons in charge at the decision making centre.

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In my case, as a Superintendent of Works, I had many years of experience with all types of road building equipment and machinery and was fully conversant with their capabilities. I believe that the outcome of the meetings at that time was, that for any future incidents of this nature, a superintendent of works or the like should be at the Emergency Control Centre, which was in sharp contrast to the then CRB policy of sending a qualified Civil Engineer. (There was very much an attitude then of Civil Engineers and others) In fact, 2 days after the actual fires at Macedon, when only mopping up needed to be done, I was recalled and replaced with a junior engineer, twice a day!!!, in order to give the engineers experience in Emergency Operations. In most cases these young persons had very little, if any, field experience and certainly would know very little about the capabilities of the various types of machinery. Another incident that comes to mind of these fires was that at one stage a young Police Constable came to the Commander informing him that although they had searched ’everywhere’ for the skeletal remains of 2 missing ladies in the ruins one particular house. He admitted that whatever they found appeared to be more than one skeleton, however they had only located one skull! The exact words used by said Commander cannot be repeated here, however, he made it abundantly clear NOT to return WITHOUT the second skull! A disaster area is most certainly not a scene for the faint-hearted, at the same time one cannot help but to become emotionally involved even to some extent and one should not be ashamed to show one’s emotions AND seek and accept help. Thank heavens society has become far more aware of these needs and huge inroads have been made with respect to counselling of victims and emergency personnel. At the Radio Station we appeared to be very well organised within a very short period of time and felt quite comfortable with the way the Station was operating. During the first few days, when communications were still not up to scratch, for many people the Radio Station was their focal point from where to get information and where to send it to, a very satisfying feeling for us as operators. I remember that probably on day 2 or 3, I received a call from the Bendigo area I believe, that 6 semi trailers, loaded with ladies toiletries and underwear were underway to Alexandra, as it was thought that there would be a need for these, and if I could let the ‘necessary people’ know! At this stage, all available storage space in Alexandra was already choc a block full of donated goods, and where could one send 6 semi trailers full of goods to? I believe that storage space was found though. On the other end of the scale, and this is where not the best of the human element and emotions come in, we received quite a number of abusive, some of them VERY abusive, phone calls, in one instance blaming ME, for the dis-unity and arguments within his family, resulting in fights and divorce, wholly and solely as a result of the information broadcast by MY Radio Station! Obviously, stress levels had reached breaking point and here someone was found who to let off steam to! Thank heavens we had each other as Broadcasters to support each other and share these experiences with. Another instant I will ALWAYS remember, occurred after about 4 or 5 days. Things had more or less quietened down to some extent, although flare-ups were occurring frequently. Instead of running 12 hour shifts, we had reduced this to 6 hour shifts as we had managed to train a few other presenters to fill shifts during the ‘quieter’ periods. I would ‘do’ 6 pm to midnight, when Jannike Kylstra, another presenter and also CFA fire fighter, would run from 12 midnight to 6 am. At about 11 pm she phoned in that she had been called out on the Fire truck as the ‘Pine Plantation’ near Taggerty had flared up again, and she did not know when she would be in. I told her not to worry and I would be only too happy to go on until 6 am. Furthermore, I am too old and inexperienced to fight fires on the back of a fire truck, but I can Broadcast .As it was, at about 2.30 am. Jannike arrived in the studio, filthy dirty and stinking to high heaven, ready to ‘do her shift’! When I told her to go home and have a shower and get

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some well earned sleep, she simply answered that she already had 4 hours sleep the previous day and I should go home and let her do her shift. Such commitment!!!! (I nominated this girl for a ‘Pride of Australia Award’) Overall, we did a lot, we experienced a lot, we cried a lot, we laughed a lot, we suffered with those who suffered a lot, and more-over, we learned a hell of a lot; how not to do things, how to do things and how to do things better next time around. From the Radio Station point of view, we held a few de-briefing meetings of course and believe that next time, we will be better prepared. One always hopes that there will not be a next time, however, since we do not live in an ideal world, we have to be prepared for the next time. Both afore mentioned President and Vice President have made submissions to, and appearances before the subsequent Royal Commission, at which UGFM Radio Murrindindi was highly praised for its part in the overall events. It is very gratifying for all concerned that not only did the Radio Station receive the highly coveted Tony Staley Award for the best Community Radio Station in Australia in 2009; it was also declared the first Community Radio Station in Australia to be officially recognised as an Emergency Broadcasting Radio Station.

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Floods Queensland Floods Katherine Hannah Foundation Queensland Registered for at least 12 months and have charity status That all volunteers are registered accordingly and that the same organisation has submitted at least ONE financial return for authenticity of charitable sanctions That the state govt not register and NEW organisations during the disaster period to protect the victims from “fly by nighter” (they are rampant up here) The communications with authorities and also social net working sites might need to be addressed as well for future disasters. Hannah Foundation is the only registered charity working in Grantham now as the others are all moving back and away! We live here and were also not govt funded and are still waiting on support funding for counselling services. Katherine Plint Executive Officer and Founder National Family Support Services Coordinator Coronial Inquest and Research Officer Nominee Telstra Business Women’s Awards 2011 Nominee for Australian of the Year 2011 Nominee Telstra Business Women’s Awards 2010 Recipient City of Ipswich Medallion - Australia Day 2009 Nominee for Pride of Australia 2008 PHONE: (07) 5465 2000 or 24hr Support 1800 426624 Mobile: 0423 869 063 P O Box 361 LAIDLEY QLD 4341 www.hannahsfoundation.org.au “Rebuilding lives after tragedy”

http://www.hannahsfoundation.org.au/

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Queensland Floods & fires Toodyay WA by Lyn & Brenton Gunter We arrived in the Lockyer Valley on the 23rd of January 2001 We listened to community who told of us their experience the night of the deluge. A wall of water approximately 2 meters high swept down from the hills carrying off people, homes, animals and anything and everything that was in its path. One of the *residents who was one of the first homes in its path took us to his place to show us what happened. The house spoke for itself. The water mark was 2/3rds of the way up the wall. The mud had been removed with a small bob cat and was out in the back in an uncovered area. It was approximately 7- 8 m long, 2-3 m wide and 250 mm high. The homeowner’s friend and another resident were going through the mud trying to salvage what they could. They had a great system set up with four large bowls – a pre rinse, pre wash, wash and finally a vinegar rinse. Sean The householder wanted us to see his tip truck which had been almost covered by the water. Only the top of the roof had been showing. He had cleaned the truck up, as it was covered with mud inside and out put in a new battery and then tried to start it. To his amazement after several tries it had started and he was so excited about it he had to start it to show us that it really did go. We then went out the back; he lived on 3 hectares, to show us his big shed. A section of the back wall had been ripped open with a gapping hole around 3 meters in diameter. His 16 tone Crane had been sifted sides ways and 15m away from its original position. The damage he had to his home and property was typical of 96% of the properties in the area. Debris covered the whole area banked up against any object sticking up out of the ground. Trees, buildings, the train line and shops. We then went to another family had a home in the middle of Grantham Township. The house was a high set home. At ground level there had been a large bird Avery. There was around 1 m of water in his house with his aviary being split in two one half was washed 1 km out of town and the other half was 200 m away. Sadly the birds all drowned. *Due to privacy names have been with held.

This family was able to rent a house in Helidon and when we saw them they told us they were not sure how long they would have it for as it was being sold. At the motel we were staying at we met a man with his daughter and grand-daughter who had been renting a home that was destroyed in Grantham. They had lost everything. He told he had to find a house as he only 5 days at the Motel. This seemed rather strange as others had been told they were being provided with two weeks temporary accommodation. A friend had made phone calls to the appropriate government department and it was thought the situation had been sorted out but it hadn’t. While we were assisting in Grantham we met the gentleman who was extremely distressed as he had received a phone call from DHS saying he had to be left the Motel by 10.00 am the next morning, this was only five days temporary accommodation. We said we would see what we could do for him. The next morning we spoke to some people from one of the departments at the Helidon Centre who made some calls to try and find out what was going on. We also got the name of someone who had a house for rent and passed it on to the gentleman. Thankfully DHS gave him a few more days, still not the same time frame as he had been told and he found a house to rent in the area. What we saw and heard made us believe very little had been learnt from what occurred immediately after the Bushfires in Victoria and Toodyay of 2009. In speaking with key officials

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in Local Government for the region we heard many of the same issues we had experienced and seen in Victoria and Western Australia. Communities had set up their own Material Aid Centers in most of the towns. There seemed to be little co ordination or communication between community and the departments. We realize everyone was trying to do their best but why hadn’t the experiences and learning’s been at least passed on or why were they not calling on those who had been in key community positions to provide advice? We will never understand why. The Relief centre staff appeared to change after a few days which meant affected residents would have to repeat their stories whenever new staff were at the centre. A simple ID card system could be set up helping save stress, time and energy on everyone’s behalf. We heard the Queensland Government was going to adopt the Victorian VBRRA model. I emailed the Premier, the State MP and the Mayor of Lockyer pointing out the major flaw in the system and what would be a better model for CRC’s; Terms of reference which provided Priorities - Essential Services, Public and Community Services, Repair Community Assets and Finally any Wish List the community may have. 4th March - We returned to the Lockyer Valley arriving in Helidon mid afternoon. We went to the Helidon Relief Centre, we were not sure if this would still be operational, it was. Listening to one of the community volunteers from Helidon we saw the same frustrations coming out that we had had to endure during the early days of the 2009 bushfires in Victoria. No one is listening to us; promises are being made and not kept. There is no Case Management System therefore no one to one advice, you had to ring council or go to the Recovery centre and try to find people. She was very angry about how they were being treated. No one from Loc Gov, State Gov called at the center to find out how they were going. They asked for something and didn’t hear anything back on far too many occasions. Another volunteer told a similar experience. There was almost twice as much in material aid as when we had been there 5 weeks previously. Residents were now coming to get goods and pilfering was bad. We explained the ID card system which was put in Toodyay WA and they felt this was a great system which could be put to great use here. They were going to see if Council would put this system in place. We went to the Butter Factory at Grantham and talked to the volunteers there. We got much the same experience as the Helidon Relief Center although Helidon felt Grantham, Murphys Creek Gatton and Fernvale were being supported far better than they were. The key volunteers had been trying really hard to get the Governments to listen to what is really needed but to no avail e.g. case manager system. We were told many residents had been left on their own to clean up their homes now. No Insurance money has come through as yet. They really need Portable Toilets and Showers as many residents could not afford rent and paying their mortgage so they were opting to put up a tent on their own land. We were told of one mother with 3 children who is living on her slab under a tarp as she can’t afford to pay $360 pw rent and also pay her mortgage, a mortgage on a home that is now destroyed. A business owner said he is finding it really hard fixing up and running his business in the middle of Grantham. He is working very hard to try to keep the community together while he believes there are those, Authorities, who are doing their best to divide them. There appears to be a bit of rivalry going on between communities not sure how this has developed but believe it could be due to how the clothing and goods are being distributed to the centres. It seems equality and sharing is not prevalent. Everything seems to be so slow in happening. How our heartbreak at what we are seeing, why haven’t they learnt!!!! We had dinner at the Helidon RSL. One of the Cooks, Karen, came and sat with us telling us about her experience and that of a couple of friends. She hasn’t been able to travel through Postman’s Ridge and Murphy’s Ck without breaking down in tears until 2 weeks ago.

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5th March We left the motel at 9.15 am and went to the Helidon Material Aid Centre where Brenton sorted out the baby furniture and I sorted out baby cloths. At morning tea we spoke with a man who lived in Harris Road Grantham. He was with Suncorp Insurance and they were paying his Insurance. Someone else from Grantham was not having any problems with his Insurance Co either so it seems there are those who are ok and those who are not. The volunteer, who was running the Grantham Material Aid Centre when asked if Council met with the Material Aid Centre helpers, said they had no contact with Council unless they, helpers, asked for information which in far too many instances was not answered. The volunteers are following up on the Case Manager system and believe it is so important for the community for this system to be put in place as soon as possible. There seems to be different views from different people. It seems we must be speaking to the sector of people who are generally not happy with council or with the way they are not being treated equal in distribution of goods. For example Helidon volunteers do not get any meals provide for they take their own lunches and morning teas where Grantham, Fernvale, Murphys Creek are able to get food from the Community Recovery Centre facilities where food is provided for Government staff and residents who come to the centre. In talking with a person from local government I asked how things were going and his view was that things are settling down and the community is getting on ok. A bit of a conundrum as we are not sure what is going on. We know from out own experience with the fires there can be so many different points of view under normal circumstances and when you hear the same views expressed in different areas then you know there is certainly some truth in what is happening. I asked if they were going to have a Case Managers system. This detail has not been finalized and neither has the role of the state recovery authority they do not know if they will have legislative power or not. Discussions will take place this week with the State Government. A local government person said he has told the Government they have been briefed on what happened in the bushfire area and they do not want a repeat of some of the problems they had. A member of the community had documented loss of property in the Grantham area giving each property owner a number along with their name and other details. These documents were provided to the Council who it seems have now list them. When asked at both Helidon and Grantham Material Aid Centres, ‘have any Council officers called in to see to ask how they were going or if they needed anything?’ the response was a resounding NO we only see them when they want to announce something or the media are around. We asked did the have meetings with the volunteers from the other centres? No we don’t. Who is co coordinating the operations then? No one they were aware of. Was anyone being invited to the Council Recovery meetings? No How many homes are damaged and will require repairs? Around 200 (Not sure if this only refers to the Grantham area as we have heard 300 in the Lockyer Valley) How many homes are beyond repair or gone? Not sure Grantham has been given money specifically for the town area. (This has caused an issue with some of the community in Helidon as they feel it should be shared with all the affected towns). A system of Shares is being developed that will provide – 1 share if you were a renter

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1 share for owner 1 share if you owned a house and lived in the area This would provide approx $ 15 k per share with a maximum of $30 K if you owned a house and lived in the area. Article in Gold Coast Magazine After the Rain

The story is about how 3 women who are now stronger for what they have been through. One asks how and why this can be. The initial reaction was to get in and help yourself and others. This helps in your own recovery and the recovery of others you are helping. Everyone’s experience and grieving is individual there aren’t any rules on what is right o wrong you have to be able to say it is ok if I am not having a good day today as tomorrow will be better. Simply by helping others you help yourself. There are those who aren’t able to help themselves they need help from others. They relate to those who have been through what they have or are suffering. Community helping community. We realize there are days we feel down and we say this is ok as tomorrow we will feel much better with the help of others. One lady was able to save precious belongings that meant so much to her. While part of you grieves for what you have lost you are grateful for what you have.

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Queensland Cyclones 2011 Graham Brown – Volunteer from Alexandra Victoria My experience in Queensland was actually very interesting I guess firstly I had some pre –existing knowledge of the Cyclone season from my previous visit in 2009, based on the ‘Larry” experience. Far North Queensland is far better positioned to respond to Cyclones as they experience them on a more regular basis, however having said that it doesn’t make it any easier for the community to go through the experience. They think in seasons much more positively than we do re bushfires, and so each year, around November they prepare for the “Cyclone Season” much better than we do for bushfires. It is more the extreme Cyclones that cause the damage, i.e. category 4 and 5 such as “Larry”2005” and “Yasi” in 2011. Lessons learned from “Larry”’ post 2005,

All new buildings constructed post 2005 must be category 5 Cyclone rated. This is a comprehensive building code that includes all aspects of construction from the ground up

For example aluminium window frames are much stronger, they use. As are

doors and fittings.

They use much less carpet on the floors, and use floor tiles more extensively as it is easier to clean up water, and tiles are much more practical in Tropical climates.

When water enters the homes it is immediately mopped up and all skirting

boards are removed so that the water doesn’t seep into the walls by drying pout quicker.

At the beginning of each cyclone season many people have their buildings

checked and certificates of compliance are issued in relation to Electrical, plumbing, Building Structure, roof etc, which are then forwarded onto their insurance companies, along with updated valuations, so that if there is and event that causes damage, there is a good set of base line date in place, ensuring that there is adequate insurance and that the property was in excellent condition prior to the damage, thereby eliminating any question of poor maintenance or pre-existing damage etc. The benefits are many, including quick processing of claims, full benefits being paid, and the property owner being able to choose their own builder to undertake repairs, as they are usually qualified tradespeople etc, who issued the certificates of compliance. The same process is utilised for commercial buildings where are maintenance schedule is in place and adhered this enables a much quicker return to business where possible which has clear benefits for the community, i.e. return to work and economic recovery opportunities come back on line quicker where possible.

Many of the properties are also fitted with “Alternative Power supplies”,

portable generators, modified switchboards and wiring which allow the property owner both Private and commercial to stay in their homes where possible and of course provide accommodation and support to other members of the community who may have sustained more serious or total damage. Electricity was out for 4-6 weeks following Yasi in the Tully / Mission Beach / Tully Heads areas. This enable people to run a Fridge, Washing

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machine, Television, have communications, charge Mobile phones etc, and combined with LP Gas cooking BBQs and Hot water etc, they can maintain themselves quite well. And offer strong support to those who are in need within their communities.

The bigger issue, in particular around the Beach Front areas of Mission

Beach / Tully heads was obviously “Inundation” on this occasion something in the order of 3 metre waves, totally destroyed Beach front homes. and homes 2-3 streets back from the beach. There were however many families still living in their homes although they had been badly damaged, although not deem unfit for habitation by the authorities, and we were able to get early access to those areas and take in food parcels, clothing, personal hygiene items toys and children needs, to well over 100 families in the worst affected areas, as well as work with Chaplaincy Australia and the community centres.

It seemed that everybody attended the Community centres early and were

processed efficiently, with the Community Hubs scaling down within weeks.

We did have a number of sad experiences to deal with and although hard, it was good to be able to offer some support, I did have some special envelopes with Cash in them which people from Marysville had given me to distribute and it was good to be able to give a number of people who were most seriously affected some cash which they appreciated. One lady, about 60 years old, and a Volunteer at the Tully Visitor Info centre had a “High set” home at Tully Heads” and suffered inundation, which went up through the floor with such force that it stripped most of the internal walls out and destroyed all her furniture, her husband cut his arm, not too badly, but because of the high treat of infection she took him the Hospital in Cairns, where he had precautionary blood tests taken, and was Hospitalise for a couple of days, and when his wife went to collect his the Doctors informed her that her husband was in the final stages of cancer and had 3-6 months to live and to take him home as there was not much they could do but help him deal with the pain as it got worse. That was hard enough for her but she had no home to take him to, so he stayed in hospital whilst we got her daughter up from Townsville, a crew of tradies came in and made the place liveable within 3 weeks and at least we were able to get her stabilised, I gave her and her daughter some cash, and we were able to get a couple of the local ladies to take her to the hairdresser and get her hair done some new clothes, so she could go and bring her husband home at least for a visit. Personally, I found that hard going, but as least we were able to make her journey a little easier.

Getting back on track, clearly the communities are much better prepared for

these events, many of the lessons learned from Larry in 2005, so once the danger has passed wherever they can they are able to respond in a quicker and stronger way than we did after the fires, but then again I am sure we will also learn many lessons and hopefully be better prepared in the future.

The Tourism Industry, which is also a key economic driver in the region, was

able to get businesses up where possible. and start their economy moving again, and the Local tourism industry had already aligned its geographic boundaries with that of the regional council, who worked closely with them, and Tourism FNQ. The regional mayor Cr Bill Shannon and the council have a strong positive relationship with the industry leaders, which also provided good links into the State government structures and the Premiers office, which enable and supported the industry and community leaders to work on their businesses, whilst it was not always easy and there were and still are, many challenges, Council stepped up to the mark quickly, as they also owned some industry infrastructure, such as the Dunk island Jetty. Booking office for

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the Quick Cat transport to the Island and beach from infrastructure which was all destroyed, and established a strong working relationship with the relevant industry leaders.

The down side is similar to Murrindindi, where small local councils did not

have the resources or capacity to respond very well, which was a discussion I have with the Premier at Tulley, and I am sure you would have had a similar discussion, but at least the Region al Council and Industry were and still are able to work well together.

Insurance companies, the community and industry had learnt a good lesson

from Larry, when Major General Cosgrove, took control after Larry, and there was a lot of disputed claims and issues of many being underinsured, and some buildings were poorly maintained, with some pre existing damage Cosgrove called the insurance companies in said sort it out quickly, and put a system in place that will prevent that sort of issue arising again. That is why on this occasion thing went a lot more smoothly as I indicated earlier.

There is no doubt that the Army did an excellent job of the clean up in

particular in the public areas, roads etc, which also enable the community and industry to get on with things much quicker and easier.

The community was certainly able to provide a lot of the drive to recovery and take responsibility for their destiny, as opposed to the overbearing top down government/ VBRRA control and manipulation of the Community here following Black Saturday. We still have the dregs of that attitude from a couple of former VBRRA people, and by comparison Qld performed much better than we did in that area, and the Qld Premier’s Communication Strategy was excellent compared to Victoria and VBRRA. By comparison, the Community in Qld have a better practical understanding of the seasons and the issues that they face and how to best respond to them and are better prepared, work well together and government has enabled, and facilitated the community leaders much better that Victoria. The Regional Council is strong and works alongside and with their community, need I say more.

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Earthquake

Comments from Dean Cerneka who volunteered in Christchurch NZ are in the Fire section Page 54 Bali Advertiser On Thursday 13th October, 2011 at 11:16am an earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale shook Bali and some of the surrounding islands. Just another typical balmy day in sleepy Bali - who would have guessed we were in for a very rude awakening? Our two week old daughter had already commandeered our 21 month old son’s pram and so we set off to Hardy’s Supermarket in Sanur to buy a stroller to make getting around just that little bit easier. Hardy’s at all of three storeys is the largest building on the main strip of Sanur - frequented predominantly by expats and tourists. No sooner had we alighted from the elevator onto the second floor than we were greeted by an almighty thud which seemed to raise the floor by a few centimetres. This was followed by a reverberating sound which grew in intensity and was accompanied by a massive shifting to-and-fro which belied the fact we were standing in a structure made of concrete and steel instead of some makeshift wooden assembly perched high in a tree. It took a moment to realise that we were in the midst of an earthquake - and a big one at that. Huge pieces of gyprock started to rain down all around us and pieces from the third floor vaulted ceiling crashed down through the void onto the busy ground floor below - the rumbling from the Earth’s crust and the sound of cut-price souvenirs smashing onto ceramic tile drowned out by screams and frantic cries of “Keluar semua, keluar semua!” (Indonesian, for ‘everyone out’) Heavily pregnant shop assistants instinctively clutched their swollen bellies in an attempt to protect their unborn. My wife, close to utter panic wanted to grab our daughter and run for the nearest exit while a young woman next to us stood transfixed calling out for divine intervention. After what seemed an age the movement subsided and we started to make good our escape. A robust older woman of German descent stopped to help me carry the pram as we negotiated the fallen debris which littered the stairs. A crowd of surging bodies flowed towards the exit and spilled out into the car-park at the front of the building. Awoman in her thirties fought through the human tide only to be stopped by security as she tried to enter the building - she plaintively explained that her daughter was still inside. The car-park was a sea of angst as people hugged each other for support. Some wept openly, while others sat silently in a state of shock and bewilderment. People watched the entrance to the store waiting for family, friends and work colleagues yet unaccounted for to emerge from the dusty chaos within. One by one the few remaining surfaced to breathe the fresh air of freedom, not to a roaring cheer but a restrained sense of sheer relief that no one had been badly injured. A young woman, seemingly confused, was given first aid for a black eye and minor cuts to her face - testimony to a holiday experience she will never forget. Out on the street it was unusually quiet with the normally busy footpaths and road ostensibly deserted, even some of the shops seemed to be missing their staff. Within the hour the all-too-familiar pandemonium that is the Bali road ‘system’ was back in full swing. A sure sign that despite the morning’s upheaval, Bali might have been shaken, but not stirred. Footnote: Large shopping centres throughout the south of Bali, along with a number of government buildings, schools and a local hospital accounted for much of the damage to infrastructure. Despite emergency departments at hospitals being overwhelmed by those seeking treatment for injuries sustained as a result of the earthquake most of these were for relatively minor complaints, thus far no fatalities have been recorded. At 3:54pm the aftershock measuring 5.5 which despite doing little more than rattling a few windows was enough to send people running from their homes for the safety of open ground.

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APPENDIX C Business Comments *Fencing contractor Pheasant Creek/Kinglake West I lost my business after the fires due to the volunteer fencing people. What could have been done differently? Use those appropriate existing businesses and provide them with Volunteers, perhaps from the corporate sector, to undertake fencing. The volunteers then assist while the business gets paid for their work which is assisted by volunteers. This would have helped my business stay afloat and also I employ locals keeping local employment going. *Flowerdale Hospitality Business We lost most of our trade due to free meals. For the first 3-4 weeks we provided meals at our establishment. We were happy to do this for a short time and when meals started to be provided elsewhere we were not asked if we were prepared to provide meals at a cheaper cost. We believe in the short term afterwards free meals are ok but the best thing would have been a voucher system where DHS could provide vouchers for meals which would have helped our business and local employment. *Flowerdale Business I got no assistance and due to damage on the bridge people couldn’t drive across to get their supplies and I couldn’t get delivery of stock even if they were able to get in which was another issue. It took several weeks for me to be able to get supplies which had to be hand trucked over the bridge for around 2 years before the bridge was replaced. This caused me a great deal of problem as I couldn’t get wood deliveries, drinks and gas cylinders for a long time. Local businesses need support to be able to operate. The bridge should have been a priority in getting replaced or repaired. *Several Business Owners Kinglake West/Pheasant Creek area Since the fires our businesses have gone down hill really fast. We don’t have the amount of customers we used to have and during the summer on hot days it was really bad. While the message about fire danger is helpful it has also affected our trade. We need to make sure the message of being prepared is sent out and still allows people to come and visit us. We rely on tourism not just locals for business. *Businesses Yea Our business has gone down and we have had no assistance because we were not in the bushfire area. We have helped those people in the bushfire area as much as we can and we have listened to so many of their stories but there is not counseling for us. Authorities need to be aware the communities and businesses adjoining bushfire areas will need help also. Our Tourism industry has been hit and we are struggling to survive. We look forward to the opening of the Rail Trail in hope that will bring us more trade. *Due to Privacy Laws names have been withheld

Business Owner Kinglake – Brad Quilliam

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To answer some of these questions over email may not be the best for accuracy as I usually respond with very few words but I can give it a go.

Firstly; for me to provide comments towards “responding in a positive way” it wasn’t the disaster that has made it difficult to re-establish stability in our community as some of us have rebuilt our homes, businesses, and lives better and stronger than before. I would have to just mention that although people have had the best intentions in a perfect world most who participated would have been ask to sit on the side lines and wait until the dust had settled before engaging again due to their lack of experience, lack of complete empathy and an over enthusiastic emotional approach rather than proceeding with wisdom. But this might be a bit unfair as life requires experienced and inexperienced people to face it’s challenges together and through this we learn and progress, or not. Now that I have got that off my chest I will try and put words to your questions as honestly as possible. I have to warn you I am a man of few words so some details may be missed.

What has and is working well in your Recovery? I think the lessons learnt from past

disasters has been valuable for some of us, firstly to install hope, to make strategic plans, gather feedback and approach what future direction is required. I have learnt from previous experiences what foundations are required to rebuild communities upon. What could be improved and How? Strong leadership, lack of ad hock action, don’t listen to the squeaky wheels and a disaster plan that takes in a holistic recovery and rebuilding model. Donations and funds to be distributed evenly, systematically and after residents are taken care of, a priority given to future drivers such as schools, medical, economic / business support, local government resources.

What key message would you provide for future communities? Learn from the past

experiences, take time to construct a strong representative recovery committee from those who have been doers in the community before and not agitators, pick from those who have the best intentions who know how to get the job done. Government to listen and work with local councils and leading community groups and representatives. Donations and funds to be more accessible and less restrictive to offer a broader support approach. This could prevent a waste of funds going towards projects that have no significance and are driven by individuals that have only their own agenda’s at stake.

I believe that to be forewarned is to be pre-armed and will prepare communities

especially in disaster prone regions, such as flood recover, bushfire recovery and earthquake and tsunami recovery. Most of these skills are life lessons but basic methods and structures can be discussed to plant seeds for preparing for the inevitable.

Let’s face it we are living in times that disaster is part of our planning whether it is the Natural kind mentioned previously, Financial; such as poor personal cash flow, living beyond our means and poor decision making in business, Stock market crashes and Global Financial Crises.Health & Illness; such as fatal and long affecting health issues and accidents. Relationship/s; such as marriage, partner and various family issues.

This may sound undue but I find some people don’t handle disaster very well due to their own lack of abilities, unskilled approach to life and a lack of attention to what has and is going on in the world. The most positive approach to assist could be to take on a mentor role such as a big Brother /Sister approach, take them by the hand, walking beside them and work through the learning together. It would take a special and dedicated person/s to work in this field and I wish whoever is prepared to do it justice the best. To get it wrong would be disastrous and quite possibly could add to the frustration of future recovery.

General comments 2 years on from the Business Sector

Many businesses are struggling for many reasons which include –

Lack of customers

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Business associates who have gone out of business

Stress and anxiety from the fires has been a major impact

Lack of Staff

Lip service rather than real help

Meeting the criteria for any funding *Farmer Strath Creek Fires Q Would you like to make any comments on what you believe occurred after the fires and how the community assisted each other? We were all traumatised by the fires and were in shock at what had occurred. A number of us met at our home a few days after the fires to work out and plan for how we could help each other. A few weeks later an officer from our Local Government and our Ward Councillor met with the community to work out what were the priorities for our community. The highest priority on the list was improvements to Allendale and Falls Roads especially the Allendale Road Bridge. One life was lost in that area as well as 12 homes. The next priority was an upgrade to the Hall and public toilets. We have waited 2 years to hear what will happen to our highest priority only to be told in a letter from Council in the last few days the upgrade is listed and won't be attended to for 5 years. The community held a glimmer of hope that something would be done and it has been squashed by the letter from council. Can you imagine how the community in that area is feeling when they have seen all the work that has been done at the Pioneer Reserve and the Upgrade to the hall and toilets and nothing has been done for their area when it was the worst hit. Sadly it is causing a rift within the community as a number of people do not attend the functions they used to attend. It is just as Rob Gordon has said we are in the Phase of the' have and the have not's'. Governments must ensure equity and balance in provision of replacing or repairing assets in the community. This becomes and additional trauma in people lives. Q. Do you believe the 'have and have not's' needs to occur? Not as much as it has if the public servants and bureaucrats listened to the community. They would at least keep communities in harmony if they acted on what was to be a priority for the community. They need to understand there needs to be an understanding of placing assets in the right areas. We have lost fantastic opportunities as we could have improved our communities through the placement of assets and the government could have purchased land from the owners who did not want to return offering it to adjoining landowners to make the block sizes bigger in the residential areas. Q. Have you been involved in any programs as a result of the fires? Yes. I was approached by Landmark to hold and deliver donated fodder. Fodder was donated from SA, NSW, Northern Victoria and Tasmania. It took a lot of organising and it was hard on me as I had to decide who was and wasn't to receive fodder. Q. How else did you help? I am a Rotarian and Rotary has been providing support through volunteers and funding. I am also involved with Landcare; I am President of our local and Upper Goulburn Landcare Network. Through both of these roles I became involved in the volunteer programs they had with fencing and rebuilding programs. Bruce Radford from DPI also assisted with the fire fence program as DPI was offering a subsidy so I declared part of my land as a Trust for Nature Reserve which is a great program. Rotary has been very supportive of the communities and have funds set aside for health and well being programs for the communities. Discussions have been going on with Practitioners who want to help identification of those who are not travelling so well and could be at risk.

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Q. What do you think needs to be improved in the recovery process? Better coordination of government, non government and volunteer programs. There is a doubling up and sometimes tripling of programs with time, energy and money which could have been utilised better. Better co operation and listening to communities. An example of this was when we wanted to get weeds under control after the fires as the conditions were right. Authorities didn't support the request for this program missing an opportunity to do some real good on the land.

The Governments need to be more proactive in the aspirations of the grass roots community thinking. Q. What do you believe is the most important thing to be done now to take the communities forward? Holding thank you days for the many volunteers. We have had a number of these on our property and it is a very emotional time for everyone - volunteers and community members. The acts of kindness have changed many of our community members. They now think differently towards others and in many ways have become more active in the community. It is something that must and needs to be done the community can show the volunteers how much their work has been appreciated. It leaves everyone with a warm feeling of satisfaction empowering them. Address human health issues especially mental health. After attending an address by Rob Gordon last week it is seems to be a strange time to shut the hubs. Having consistent and familiar faces to assist and support has been really important and these people need to be involved within the communities still. These people could be used to help identify those at risk. Authorities need to tread lightly? What things do you believe the Governments and those supporting communities in the aftermath of a disaster need to be aware of?

They need to be conscious of the fact they are dealing with fragile communities and will be for some years.

It needs to be realised that the Community Good Will gets lost through delays of council and governments.

That we are in exceptional times and they need to be adaptive. They need to explain what is happening to communities as they may get annoyed about the time it is taking but at least they have an explanation rather than feeling ignored.

Council's and governments expect responses from community and the community in turn expects responses from them. Disappointingly when people ask the council and government about something on far too many occasions they are not provided with answers.

*Name withheld due to Privacy

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APPENDIX D Research of Previous Disasters Liz Tilley – Canberra Fires I'm part of a small group of women called the Singed (as in burnt) Sisterhood. I wrote an article called "A Great Relief" (attached) that was widely distributed in the weeks after Black Saturday on the internet and in various publications. I subsequently had two trips to Victoria to speak with bushfire communities in the Yarra Valley. On each trip I was accompanied by one of the other Singed Sisters. Our thoughts were with you in Victoria on the second anniversary. In many ways I think the second anniversary is harder than the first as the media and the rest of society seems to have moved on, yet the survivors are still dealing with the consequences of the trauma. Recovery takes such a long time. I remember being very frustrated when people thought that two or three years on it was all over. I also think it is very hard for people who didn't lose homes or possessions but went through the trauma. These were often the ones who didn't seek help because "others need it more than me", but then struggled around the 2, 3 or even 4 year mark. 1. What worked well?

Because of the contained geographical area of the Canberra fires in 2003 there was one central "Recovery Centre". It was a wonderful resource and was where you went to see counsellors, get advice about rebuilding, collect "special" donated items such as the quilts that were made for those that lost homes, and for a myriad of other forms of assistance. Many people in Canberra felt the Recovery Centre closed too soon. Certainly, anecdotally, I heard of many families who did not lose homes that did not seek counselling after the fires because they felt others were in greater need. It was around two - three years after the fires that these people, particularly children, were still struggling with issues of anxiety, depression, or fear; however the Recovery Centre closed around the same time leaving them with no central place to go that they felt "specialized" in post-trauma issues. As a result, some of them never sought assistance as they would have had to pay for counselling or visits to a psychologist themselves and simply did not have the money. Our children’s school (Orana School for Rudolf Steiner Education) instituted a ‘buddy system’ for the families from school that lost their homes. This was a fantastic system that could be adapted for use in any disaster situation. Hundreds of people were phoning, dropping into our temporary accommodation and offering help, but it was so overwhelming. People kept asking “What do you need” and it was very hard to say “Everything”. Our buddy removed this stress so that when people asked “what do you need?” or “What can I do?” we referred them to our buddy. She had a huge list and would determine if we needed towels, cutlery, an ironing board, a fridge—and let people chose what they wanted to donate or buy. My husband rented an empty house and then went up to Sydney to collect me and the three children. When we returned to Canberra four days later, we returned to a fully set-up house complete with beds, lounges, toys for the kids, bed linen, towels—to the level of detail of waste paper baskets, scissors in the drawers and pot plants. I find it hard to express our deep gratitude for this amazing coordination of assistance.

2. What needs to be improved and how it can be improved?

Research indicates that community-led recovery achieves the best long-term results post-disaster. But to be successful, and sustainable, communities need support to be able to facilitate their own recovery. Surely there are many cost benefits for government in supporting communities to help themselves and taking some of the burden from government?

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For example, in Victoria I met some great women that had formed supportive groups or networks that quickly become crucial to their recovery. However, if these groups wanted to run events or organize special talks they had to find the venue themselves, organize all the event details and submit paperwork to request funding. Particularly as time wore on, and fatigue set in, women from these groups simply didn't have the time to do all this. As women needed to get back to work, look after their families, and rebuild or re-settle, there were many lost opportunities. These groups could have done so much more, and become so much stronger, if they had someone who could assist with logistical tasks to support them. Particularly as recovery is long-term, support for these emerging community support groups needs to be practical and long-term. The other issue is the personal "cost" of being a community leader. Often community leaders have been affected by the disaster and are "recovering" as well. While people are happy to take on the role of community leaders it can be very stressful, enormously time-consuming and often means the capacity to take on paid work is reduced (or rendered impossible because of the demands of your volunteer community leader role). A nominal financial stipend could alleviate some of these issues and help support community leaders - particularly those asked to be community representatives on government recovery committees/bodies. Practical assistance in the form of childcare, home help and contributions to phone bills and home/office expenses would also be enormously appreciated. Excerpt from "A Great Relief", the article I wrote in response to the Victorian fires...this section is about the huge volume of donated goods that were unusable: Please only donate things that are new or of good quality. Don’t slow down the relief effort by having the team receiving the donations in Victoria have to sort through linen, clothing or Manchester that is soiled, torn, buttons missing or otherwise damaged in any way. Better to donate one item that is new or in good condition rather than several things that you don’t wear anymore because they’re too out of fashion, have broken zips or are stained. Similarly with bed linen, towels, blankets etc, only donate what is good quality or new. Get the social workers to be there to act as advocates when victims have to deal with public servants, banks, and government officials in the next few weeks. Some of the victims will have literally lost their identities – they will have no wallet, no identification, and no bank details. They will have to deal with insurance companies and government agencies. People working in these institutions don’t have training as social workers, and often are under increased stress themselves. I can’t tell you the number of victims who were coping pretty well up until they had to deal with a bank or other institution who were either obstructive or unable to assist because ‘our computer system won’t let me’.

3. What key messages would you pass on to communities for future reference?

Recovery takes a long, long time. After the disaster is no longer "news", it will no longer attract media attention and the government response will no longer be seen as "vote winning" (or losing if it's a poor response!) but communities will still need support for many years. A long-term practical and supportive response that helps the community to help itself will be valued by everyone. A GREAT RELIEF By Liz Tilley, Canberra

9 February 2009 As a survivor of the January 2003 firestorm in Canberra, my heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones, homes, pets, and a lifetime of memories in the tragic Victorian fires. As I sit watching TV news coverage, with my heart racing and my body shaking slightly as I remember the fear, the flames, the heat, the smoke and the knowledge that I would probably

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not get out alive; I also remember in the days, weeks and months after the fires what support we needed and valued. The victims of the Victorian fires are coping with the loss of homes, possession, pets and property as well as trying to cope with immense grief. A great relief effort is one that is based on the experiences of previous disaster situations, and yet, after the Canberra bushfires, we were so often ‘re-inventing the wheel’. I just can’t bear to see those victims in Victoria not benefit from what we learned in Canberra. While the aid agencies will swing into action, and do what they do best, and the State and Federal government put their disaster planning into action, how can the Australian public, and the Victorian Relief Effort, help in the best way possible? What the surviving victims need, both in terms of donations, and physical and emotional support comes will come in phases. Of course, the first weeks after the fire, in the immediate post trauma phase, these needs will be different from what they will need in six, 12 months or two years time. So, for what it’s worth, here are my tips for a “great” relief: Notes to the general public Donate cash

Every little bit counts. If every person in Australia donated just five dollars, imagine what a difference it would make.

Basic essentials

Please only donate things that are new or of good quality. Don’t slow down the relief effort by having the team receiving the donations in Victoria have to sort through linen, clothing or Manchester that is soiled, torn, buttons missing or otherwise damaged in any way. Better to donate one item that is new or in good condition rather than several things that you don’t wear anymore because they’re too out of fashion, have broken zips or are stained. Similarly with bed linen, towels, blankets etc, only donate what is good quality or new. Think of all the things you need every day—pyjamas, toothbrush, toothpaste, face washer, soap, toiletries bag, deodorant, hairbrush, comb, shampoo, clothes suitable for work, casual clothes, belt, shoes, socks, watch, hair ties, wallet, handbag, key ring, hat, sunscreen, etc. These people have nothing. While they will receive immediate assistance in the form of cash and gift vouchers from charitable organizations for major retail outlets, I remember that every day there was something I needed and didn’t have. Within the first few days we needed notepads and pens just to deal with the paperwork and the insurance company. Needs change over time, as people move into temporary accommodation they will need cooking utensils, pots, pans, plates, cups, bowls, kitchen knives, furniture, TVs, beds….the list is endless. Cold weather will come in another month or two and winter clothes will be needed at this time – warm tops, coats, hats and scarves. Blankets, electric blankets and heaters will also be needed. I distinctly remember the day the weather suddenly turned cold in Canberra and no-one in the family had a warm top to wear. Kits

If you’re thinking of what else to give, put together a first aid kit for the home, or an office kit (containing sticky tape, scissors, notepads, pens, stapler etc), or a toiletry bag (with toothpaste, toothbrush, nail scissors, shampoo, etc), or a make-up kit with make-up, eye make-up remover, lip gloss, mascara etc), or a hair care kit for a child with a brush, hair ties etc, or a sports kit for a

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child (drink bottle, hat, lunchbox, sunscreen, soccer ball), a kitchen kit (mixing bowls, cookbooks, cooking utensils, a good sharp knife, etc,), a tool kit (hammer, nails, screwdrivers, hacksaw etc), a present kit (birthday cards, wrapping paper, sticky tape, pens, ribbon) – these will be much appreciated. Make something. Some of our most treasured items are the ones that were made, with love, by complete strangers. The quilt that was one of the hundreds that arrived from all over Australia, the hand-knitted rugs that my children like to snuggle under in winter. If you make jewellery, make a few pairs of earrings or a necklace. If you make toys, make something for the children who have lost theirs. If you knit, make a winter scarf. If you sew, make some table placemats or a beautiful table runner. If you’re an artist, paint a picture or frame a drawing. I still find it incredibly moving that people cared enough to put time and love into making something that has now become a new family treasure for us. Grow something.

Those that remain, and those that decide to rebuild, face a blackened, denuded landscape. If you live in within reasonable distance of the bushfire area, pot some seedlings and start growing some vegetation to help rejuvenate the gardens that were lost. Contact your local nursery, land care or conservation group to see what vegetation is drought resistant and/or native to the area. In Canberra, a very successful Garden Regeneration Scheme was set-up by volunteers and in the two-year period after the fires, they helped many, many people re-landscape their gardens. To see green, to see new growth, when we returned to our rebuilt home, was not only beautiful but gave us hope that we too could recover. Kids My three children were young at the time of the fires, so I remember well how grateful I was when we received toys, colouring-in books, pencils and textas, craft items, DVDs, books to read and pushbikes. Like the Victorian fires, the Canberra fires happened shortly after Christmas, when children lost much anticipated Christmas presents that they had only had a few weeks to enjoy. Friends and acquaintances If you personally know someone who was affected, every little gesture of help and support helps. Bake some biscuits or a meal and drop it around to them, offer to put their washing on the line, offer to do their supermarket shopping, offer to mind their kids. I remember feeling so overwhelmed and so busy answering phone calls and organizing basic survival that I simply didn’t have time or energy to cook meals, wash, clean and do all the other things that keep a family going—this went on for months. This help will be invaluable in coming weeks and months. Notes to Victorian Disaster Relief Organizers Counselling

Don’t sit the counsellors in a room at the recovery centres where people have to go to them. These victims are in shock and running on adrenalin. The women will usually talk about it, the men won’t. Men seldom seek out emotional assistance or counselling. Often the men will hold it all inside and release it in anger or violence a few days, weeks, months or years down the track. Years on from the fires, women were saying that their husbands “didn’t talk about it” and were withdrawn or showing signs of depression.

Put the counsellors and social workers in the field. Get them to go and help the men sort through the burnt out remainders of their homes. Get them to go to the pubs and clubs where the men are congregating. Get them to be there when the bulldozers move in to flatten what little remains of people’s homes. Often people just want someone to listen and to tell them that what they are experiencing is ‘normal’ under the circumstances.

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Get the social workers to be there to act as advocates when victims have to deal with public servants, banks, and government officials in the next few weeks. Some of the victims will have literally lost their identities – they will have no wallet, no identification, and no bank details. They will have to deal with insurance companies and government agencies. People working in these institutions don’t have training as social workers, and often are under increased stress themselves. I can’t tell you the number of victims who were coping pretty well up until they had to deal with a bank or other institution who were either obstructive or unable to assist because ‘our computer system won’t let me’. Buddy system Our children’s school (Orana School for Rudolf Steiner Education) instituted a ‘buddy system’ for the families from school that lost their homes. This was a fantastic system that could be adapted for use in any disaster situation. Hundreds of people were phoning, dropping into our temporary accommodation and offering help, but it was so overwhelming. People kept asking “What do you need” and it was very hard to say “Everything”. Our buddy removed this stress so that when people asked “what do you need?” or “What can I do?”, we referred them to our buddy. She had a huge list and would determine if we needed towels, cutlery, an ironing board, a fridge—and let people chose what they wanted to donate or buy. My husband rented an empty house and then went up to Sydney to collect me and the three children. When we returned to Canberra four days later, we returned to a fully set-up house complete with beds, lounges, toys for the kids, bed linen, towels—to the level of detail of waste paper baskets, scissors in the drawers and pot plants. I find it hard to express our deep gratitude for this amazing coordination of assistance. Women’s networks

As well as dealing with trauma, pain and grief, women have to look after the needs of their family. This can mean they put their own needs last. My greatest sources of support and friendship were a small group of women bound by the fact that our children all attended the same school and we all lost our homes. We started meeting for coffee a few weeks after the fires and, six years on, we still meet regularly for lunch. We call ourselves The Singed (as in “slightly burnt”) Sisterhood. I don’t know how I would have got through the last six years without these wonderful women who have now become close friends. Getting women together in an informal way allows them to support each other and share their stories. In the months to comes, as the victims are spread across the State, they will need avenues in which to come together and discuss what they, and their families, are going through. There is enormous comfort in knowing you are not alone. Communication

The victims of the fires will be spreading across the State, and in some cases interstate, to stay with relatives and friends. It is vital that all victims stay connected to the network of aid that will be coming their way in the following weeks, months and years.

While I know a database of victims is currently being compiled, it is imperative that this database is updated as victims move from temporary accommodation into rental accommodation and then decide to rebuild, buy or rent indefinitely. Wonderful companies will donate goods and services, or offer wholesale or discounted goods. In the next 12 months to two years, as victims decide to rebuild, buy another home or rent, they will need to access these. People who move interstate will not have access to the assistance and counselling on offer – they need to be tracked and supported. A friend of mine really struggled as she moved to Sydney and did not have anyone to talk with who had gone through the experience, she also missed out on most of the donations, assistance and counselling available in the period after the fires.

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Often, those that had immediate help, staying in fully-furnished homes, or with friends or family for extended periods, miss out on some assistance in the immediate phase because they don’t need it, however this puts them at a disadvantage further down the track in a few months time, when this accommodation ceases and they then have to begin again with nothing. The aid will need to be ongoing.

Not everyone will have access to a computer, certainly not in the first few weeks, or even months. Post information to people – mail can be forwarded or passed on. Shopping Centres. Everyone needs to shop – particularly if you’ve lost everything. Distribute newsletters updating victims and survivors on what is happening and what help they can access via shopping centers around the State. Libraries, government offices, community centers, cultural and religious centers can also distribute the newsletters. These newsletters can also inform members of the public how they can help.

Mobile phone bills

Most of us faced enormous mobile phone bills after the fires. In the weeks and months after the fires, our mobiles were our lifeline—to friends, family, work, the insurance company, to everything. In the weeks after the fires, I used my mobile more than I ever have in my life. In the months after the fires, when we were already under huge stress, we had to pay huge mobile phone bills. At the time of the Canberra fires, I was not aware of any mobile phone providers who took this into consideration by negating or reducing mobile phone bills for victims (I would love to be proved wrong on this). Survivors Consider the survivors, who did not lose their homes so have to return to a devastated community. Please don’t keep saying to them “Well, at least you didn’t lose your house”. They are going through such mixed emotions after losing friends and neighbours that they may have mixed emotions about being ‘spared’. They have to return to the devastated landscape and try and rebuild their lives. Their children will play in ash and dirt, the amount of dust and debris flying through the air is unbelievable. They will spend the next year or so cleaning constantly and yet everything will still remain covered in a layer of fine ash and dust. They won’t be able to hang clothes on the line because they come in dirtier than when they went out. These seem like insignificant things, but when these things happen after a tragedy such as this, when you’ve lost friends and neighbours and your support networks have gone, they make a very traumatic situation even more stressful. In the weeks to come, donations of play equipment, sandpits, soil, plants and trees will be much needed and appreciated. Asbestos Some of the homes burnt may contain asbestos. Asbestos fibers explode under intense heat. If the home was built before 1984 it is likely some asbestos would be in the wet areas (bathrooms and laundries and some kitchens) and the eaves. If these sheets have been broken up, small amounts of asbestos fiber would have been released. While some asbestos is present in some of the dust and ash from destroyed homes, the levels are not high and the large size of the asbestos fibers released from asbestos sheets means there is only a very low risk of it causing disease. (refer to www.health.act.gov.au and put in ‘asbestos’ under search) So, the risk IS low, but there is still some risk. So reduce this risk, and the risk of dust inhalation, by providing dust masks with filters and sturdy gloves to those who want to sort through the burnt remains of their homes and belongings.

http://www.health.act.gov.au/

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Note to the Victims

Learn to receive Most of us are great at giving help, but many people find it difficult to accept help. Take the help when it is offered and don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. For many people it can be incredibly hard to do this. While at the moment you have no choice but to accept help, it may be hard to keep accepting help months and years down the track. But you need to allow family, friends, and the wider community to give. It will make you stronger and, years from now, will be an incredible insight into what others need in times of trauma—because you’ve been there and you understand. The only way you can truly learn to help others is by accepting help yourself when you need it. Community

When a disaster strikes, we are reminded of the amazing generosity, kindness and compassion of others. Humans have an incredible capacity to help others in times of need. I am forever grateful to the friends, relatives, work colleagues, acquaintances and strangers who did what they could to help us in the weeks, months and years after the fires. No matter how small the gesture, it was appreciated. One friend gave me her copy of a cookbook she knew I used all the time and I bless her every time I open that book to thumb its familiar pages. A woman who worked with my husband knew that he had bought me some pearl earrings as a present before the fires, so she gave me her favourite pearl earrings as a gift, and I bless her every time I wear them. Another friend’s son gave my son his cricket bat and ball, and I bless him every time I see the boys playing outside. A friend and former work colleague of my husband’s donated furniture, a TV and cooking utensils, and I bless her every day. At times, despite everything, I felt buoyed by the support of all these people, by knowing they cared. And now, six years on, I still feel an enormous faith in the human spirit, our ability to survive, and the compassion and generosity we can offer each other.

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Victorian Drought 2000 - 2010 Recovery Interview Comments *Farmer Strath Creek Q. As a farmer, have you ever been through a Drought before? No, this is the first time. Q. Did you have systems in place that you believed would help you prior to the drought? No we weren't prepared. We hung onto the hope that it would break and when it continued we had to learn fast about what we could do. We paid high prices for feed for the stock hoping when the drought broke we would get good prices for our stock. We were extremely disappointed when this didn't occur. As an example we paid around $180,000.00 annually for feed and our lambs ended up selling for less than prices before the drought. Q. Do you believe if you had been better prepared you would have fared better? Perhaps, but we are not sure. More experienced farmers, (and there are only a handful left in the district who obtain all their income from the farm), would have been better prepared than we were. Each year we thought it we would get good rain instead we had a 'Green Drought' the paddocks looked green but the grass was low and of poor quality. *Name with held due to Privacy

We saw farmers sell off their stock and wait it out. When the drought broke they were not able to buy back into farming as the amount of stock they needed to be sustainable was beyond them.

We have “off farm” income like a number of farmers in the district and so we were able to get through. This also meant we were not eligible for Exceptional Circumstances a Federal Government assistance program for farmers. Q. What do you believe helped you through the drought? The advice and assistance of Department of Primary Industry. Bruce Radford was fantastic. He visited our farm regularly to find out how we were going and to provide advice on what we could do. There appeared to be far more support after the fires than through the drought. Q. What do you believe was the difference? We were partially burnt out during 2009 Black Saturday. We lost fences paddocks so we were eligible for assistance. We were in drought and then we had fires. We were so grateful for all the generosity after the fires. Q. What were some of the things (change that word) you were advised about during the drought? What advice were you given during the drought? Stock containment areas. These were built and we still retain these areas. They certainly came in handy after the fires. The containment areas hold about 500 sheep on approximately 1 acre and this helps you rest the land. We also used a rotational paddock system as well. Q. How much do we feed our stock? - We didn’t ration our feed and we were told to be sustainable we needed to. We were also given advice on the types of feed to use to maintain our stock and return the maximum for our investment. The Department has the best information on handling of stock during drought. They have a booklet called Managing Stock during Drought which was great. A good manager runs his farm by planning and preparing for the unexpected. A prudent farmer puts away money and silage for the unforeseen. When farmers do this they can manage better but are then not eligible for assistance which seems contradictory.

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I believe it would be a fair thing to review the conditions of eligibility for Exceptional Circumstances. Field Days put on by DPI were excellent and provided a great social gathering as well as providing information. There is a great deal of value in volunteerism and the social aspects are enormous.

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Report on Mental Health & Drought Workshop 16.03.07 From Cr Lyn Gunter The presentations provided what is available, what is happening and how we can help. The 4 workshops that followed culminated in presentations from each of the workshops, questions to a panel and outcomes. I attended to Workshop 4 on Mental Health Partners, Emergency Relief Networks mad communicating and Connecting with communities. Presentation from Hume Primary Mental Health Team A Range of programs are available and being conducted in NE Mental Health. Some of these programs are – Mental Health First Aid Sustainable Farm Families Men’s Behaviour (they are looking for a better word to use than “stress” as it is off-putting) Short courses for Self Care (these are very popular) Saleyard Screenings (being seen and available at every sale) Mental Health info cards Relaxation CD (is very popular with everyone) Coping with stress in Rural Communities Life-line tool kit for getting through Drought Networks for getting information out to those who need it the most. Stock agents and Stock transporters are useful. Emergency Relief (ER) Networks – VicRelief and Food bank

The current model is unsustainable A Drought support program is underway in 15 Local Governments in Vic – Shepparton Hindmarsh, Pyrenees, Towong to name a few. Prior to the drought ER was over stretched Since the drought there has been an increase of 46% on ER Volunteers are becoming stressed/depressed by what they are hearing and seeing An ER forum will be held on the 4th of May at Shepparton which will help the volunteers to be sustainable A Drought Support Fund is to be implemented in the future which will support networks in identifying needs such as submission writing More information about ER can be obtained from Trevor Barker email [email protected] Communicating & Connecting with Communities There is a need for local initiatives and being close to the communities needs The Pyrenees for Community Building Project was discussed. Community Action Plans are vital The Project outcomes are as follows – People don’t know where or how to start to find services they want. Of those who do know about services it was found they had strong community connections. Fewer connections proved less knowledge especially seen in new residents, young people and over 70’s. Internet was seldom used to find services even though they used it for other services. Service Directory’s are great but call the services what they are e.g. call a bus a ‘bus’ Use local networks and write in community friendly language. An example was provided of work in the Snake Valley. Snake Valley is a low socio economic area but has a thriving vibrant community spirit. Snake Valley newsletter is going so well they offer $100 towards a project that will provide community benefit. There is a program called Capacity building for families through times of Crisis. The Challenge is to keep the Networks going even after the drought. Long-term there is a need for Relationships & Networks, Individuality of communities, Respect of all.


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We can provide some solutions with positives such as ok you have no work at the moment take time to get to family functions at school or taking the children to their activities that you may normally not be able to attend. Build family resilience. Cyclone Tracy 1974

We spoke with an administrator from Darwin who told us – (Name has been with held due to Privacy) After reading and hearing about the recent recovery comments he felt nothing much had changed a great deal with recovery systems since 1974. Ash Wednesday 1983 (Due to privacy names have been withheld) Several community members who went through the Ash Wednesday believed little had changed in the system from 1983 with regard to recovery and notification of impending fires.(comment pre government systems changes to warning systems of 2010)

Shepparton Floods 1993

Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction 1996: Conference Proceedings

The Flooding of North-East Victoria, October 1993: One Community Recovery Officer's Evaluation of the Issues of Recovery

McCamish, Anne1

Abstract: While long-term economic recovery from the 1993 flooding of North-Eastern Victoria is still going on, it is possible from the distance of almost three years to identify key issues that emerged from the disaster, and propose strategies designed to alleviate, if not overcome, much of the psychological distress experienced by individuals and communities affected both directly and indirectly. Many of the recommendations proposed in this paper were originally made by Community Recovery Officers in their final report to the Department of Health and Community Services. I reassert these recommendations in this forum because the key issues - including the distribution of aid, confidentiality and the exercise and ownership of authority - would most effectively be taken up at a national level and driven by national leadership and national commitment to established recovery principles. The paper concludes with a set of operational principles designed for future Community Recovery Workers and derived from the issues identified in the body of the paper. Website http:/search.informait.com.au/documentSummary

http://search.informit.com.au/browsePublication;isbn=0858256622;res=IELENG

http://search.informit.com.au/search;action=doSearch;search=author%3D%22McCamish,%20Anne%22

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APPENDIX E

Reference

Evaluation of the Bushfire Recovery Initiative, Prepared for The Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment by Roberts Evaluation Pty Ltd, December 2005 website www.aes.asn/publications/Reports/Documents/Bushfire_Recovery_Initiative.pdf

www.em.gov.au – National Strategy for Disaster Resilience, National Principles of Recovery

http:natgeotv.com.au – Hudson River Plane Crash US

www.bbc.co.uk – Japanese Tsunami – Report on Temporary houses 13th November 2011

www.japanforum.com – a few survivors stories

www.royalcommission.vic.gov.au/Commission-Reports/Final Report/Summary

Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority –

www.wewillrebuild.vic.gov.au

www.rdv.vic.gov.au/fire-recovery-unit

Rob Gordon – www.phsycology.org.au/Assets/Files/Bushfires-Rob-Gordon

Extract from the Emergency Management Manuals

(Please note the reader should also read this in context within the Manuals) EMM Victoria 2009 State of Disaster Part 5 of the Act provides for extreme measures to be exercised by the Government in situations which present a ‘significant and widespread danger to life or property’ in part or all of Victoria. The declaration of a State of Disaster creates a legal condition applying to a specified area only in extreme circumstances, as it is a fundamental principle underlying the Act, and Victorian arrangements, that normal emergency actions take place when the need is evident, and do not require special administrative decision or declaration. The provisions for a State of Disaster have never been used and are only likely to be invoked in extreme circumstances in which there is a breakdown of the normal systems of government and emergency management, and it is necessary to override normal civil rights to deal with an emergency. Upon the Premier’s declaration of a State of Disaster, the Co-ordinator in Chief has powers to: • direct government agencies • suspend Acts or regulations • commandeer any property • control movement into and within, and departure from the disaster area • compel evacuations from the disaster area (except where a person claims pecuniary interest in the land, buildings, goods or valuables therein). The latter three powers are delegated to the Chief Commissioner of Police. The Act provides for compensation to be paid to any person whose Property is taken or used in a State of Disaster. Extracts from Victorian Bushfire Recovery reconstruction Authority Message from Christine Nixon "Victoria's fire affected communities will heal at different time, in different ways. As the rebuilding program gains momentum we will continue to respect their view to consult

http://www.em.gov.au/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/

http://www.japanforum.com/

http://www.royalcommission.vic.gov.au/Commission-Reports/Final

http://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/fire-recovery-unit

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widely, to continuously improve the way we work, and to do everything possible to enable communities to move forward with confidence into the future." Authority's Terms of Reference

Advise Governments coordinate efforts and develop an over arching plan for the restoration and recovery of regions towns and communities affected by the 2009 Vic bushfires

Work closely with the community in the process of rebuilding and recover and ensure that individuals and communities are consulted closely - with such consultation to

be transparent and sensitive to local needs. Analyze and advice governments on the impact of the bushfires on the community’s

economy infrastructure and environment in affected areas. Coordinate activities and the work of relevant organizations to help regions towns and

individuals re-establish their communities once it is sage to do so in a way that is respectful of individual and community needs

Ensure that services to people affected are easily available and coordinated across all levels of government and community organizations

Work with communities to develop coordinated plans to deal with the effects of the disaster in local economies, communities, infrastructure and the environment. These plans should cover the immediate recovery requirements and longer term development.

Have overall responsibility for ensuring that communities are rebuilt and projects are delivered quickly and efficiently.

Work closely with all funding sources including the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund to ensure effective and coordinated expenditure of funds.

Background Pg 1 & 2

VBRRA was established 3 days after the 7th of February. Major General John Cantwell AO was the interim head of the Authority from 12th of February until Ms Nixon took over on the 2nd of March. The role of the Authority is to oversee and coordinate the largest recovery and rebuilding program Vic has ever faced. Authority's objective is to understand the different need of the communities and help them rebuild in a way that is safe, timely, efficient, cost-effective and sensitive. Insurance claims to date $1.2 billion. Vic Budget for fighting the fires and supporting fire affected individual’s communities and businesses to recover $1 billion. Commonwealth Government assistance $212 million. Commonwealth has agreed to fund 50% of eligible relief and recovery activities being

delivered by the Vic government. Recovery & reconstruction Framework Pg 3 Guiding Principles

As a starting point - Welfare - The safety & welfare of people in the local community including householders, volunteers and workers will be the top level priority and will not be compromised Meeting Needs - Resources for recovery will be focused on areas of greatest need in each

community Community Engagement - Community involvement is key and will be pursued through all activities with management at the local level empowered to deliver results Integrity - Provision of services and resources will be governed by the principles of fairness and equity Tailored solutions - The needs of each community impacted by the fires are different and the recovery solutions will be tailored to the specific needs of each community

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People & Communities Pg 6 Emergency housing Over 10,000 offers of accommodation were made. Power and Telecommunications 60,000 customers were without electricity on the evening of 7th Feb, by the following morning 19,500 customers were still without power. Medical Assistance & Public Health Emergency care was provided to more than 800 people with more than 130 admitted with fire related injuries. Community Safety Pg 7 More than 22 manned roadblocks - partial and full road closures - were established 24 hours a day. Community meetings were held to provide information to the affected communities Community Recovery Committees will prepare a community recovery plan which will outline the many aspects of recovery that need to be considered. Case Management System Joint announcement of this system by Vic and Commonwealth governments on the 19th February. Relief and Recovery Centres and Community Service Hubs Pg 11 Outlines the work of the Relief and Recovery centres and the projected work of the Hubs. Emotional and physiological support A total of 954 hours of personal support counseling was provided to the fire affected communities. Community Recovery Teams Pg 12

Dedicated recovery team comprising different local council Vic & Commonwealth staff This team will support CRC and will have a range of appropriate skills and resource

levels for that are Community Development officers can facilitate a range of services and support to assist

communities

Community Service Hubs

established in those area requiring extended recovery services nearby facilitate a range of support services such as Centrelink, rebuilding advice, welfare

services staffed by a Hub Captain

Material Aid Centre Some regions will have material aid centers for donated good Environment Pg 21 Rehabilitating and regenerating our natural environment is critical to helping communities recover. Pg 22 - Urgent ecological recovery work targeted at protecting threatened species at risk includes - Re sowing mountain ash and alpine seeds by helicopter near Marysville, Kinglake and Alexandra Relocating threatened fish species

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Next Steps and goals for the bushfire reconstruction and recovery include -

Approaches to encourage tourism and assist with business regeneration are implements in bushfire affected regions

Advice on pasture re-establishment, wee and pest animal management, water quality supplied for farm dams, erosion control and animal health issues.

A comprehensive assessment is undertaken of the effects on native wildlife and plant populations

Grants administered in a way that is equitable convenient and reduces unnecessary burden on those in need.

NB Extracts from Australian State and Territory Emergency Plans (These extracts should be read in conjunction with the plan as a whole)

State Emergency Management Plan (SEMP) South Australia The State Emergency Management Plan outlines responsibilities, authorities and the mechanisms to prevent, or if they occur manage, and recover from, incidents and disasters within South Australia. The SEMP does not assume a particular incident or event. It is based on the all hazards principles endorsed by the South Australian Emergency Management Council and Emergency Management Australia. State Government agencies and Local Government acting to prevent, respond to, investigate and recover from incidents in South Australia are required to base their plans on the SEMP. New South Wales Emergency plans There is a State Disaster Plan (DISPLAN), the objective of which is to ensure a coordinated response to emergencies. DISPLAN may be activated by the Minister without the need for a declaration of a state of emergency. Functional Area plans to support DISPLAN are endorsed by the SEMC, and approved by the Minister. Disaster Plans are also required at district and local government levels. State-level sub-plans have been produced for some specific hazards to ensure the appropriate emergency management arrangements are in place. Recovering from emergencies Recovering from emergencies is referred to as ‘recovery.’ Recovery is a coordinated process of supporting emergency-affected communities in reconstruction of the physical infrastructure and restoration of emotional, social, economic and physical wellbeing. The Community and Disability Services Ministers Advisory Council endorsed new National Principles for Disaster Recovery at their March 2008 meeting. Further work is expected to assist with embedding these principles in future recovery practice. Recovery incorporates Consequence management, a process that is described in greater detail on the Consequence Management page.

Queensland have a State Counter Disaster Plan

The State Counter Disaster Plan provides a blueprint for the prevention, preparedness, and response and recovery arrangements for disasters in Queensland.

The plan has been developed by the Department of Emergency Services’ Counter Disaster and Rescue Services division through the State Counter Disaster Organisation.

The focus is on minimising the effects of disasters on local communities by ensuring a coordinated effort by State and Local Government, agencies, authorities and non-government bodies with a responsibility or capability in disaster management.

Western Australia Arrangements

Legislation

Emergency management in Western Australia is structured around a specific piece of legislation known as the Emergency Management Act 2005 (the Act). The Act establishes the basis for a broader framework of regulations (Emergency Management Regulations 2006), a committee structure, and the prescription of agencies to fulfil the roles as hazard management agencies,

http://www.ag.gov.au/www/emaweb/emaweb.nsf/Page/EmergencyManagement_RecoveringfromEmergencies_NationalPrinciplesforDisasterRecovery

http://www.ag.gov.au/www/emaweb/emaweb.nsf/Page/EmergencyManagement_RecoveringfromEmergencies_NationalPrinciplesforDisasterRecovery

http://www.ag.gov.au/www/emaweb/emaweb.nsf/Page/EmergencyManagement_RecoveringfromEmergencies_ConsequenceManagement

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combat agencies and support organisations and a suite of State level plans and policies that link the operations of emergency management. Emergency / disaster management - State level

The Minister for Emergency Services has overall responsibility, and operates through the: State Emergency Management Committee

The State Emergency management Committee (SEMC) is the peak emergency management body in Western Australia. Membership includes representatives appointed by the Minister from those organisations that are essential to the State’s emergency management arrangements. Emergency/disaster management – below State level

Western Australia utilises a committee structure at State, district and local level to assist the State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC) in the development and implementation of the State Emergency Management Arrangements. To facilitate emergency management arrangements in Western Australia, the State is divided into emergency management districts, each of which comprises a number of local governments. These districts are based on emergency management district boundaries with the Police District Superintendent designated as the District Emergency Coordinator. The State is divided into fourteen (14) emergency management districts, comprised of specified local government districts by Emergency Management Districts Order 2006 (Western Australian Government Gazette 4 November 2008, No. 187). Northern Territory Arrangements

Legislation

The Northern Territory Disaster Act 1982 provides for the establishment of an emergency/disaster management organisation at Territory, regional, and local level. Specifically the Act provides for a:

Northern Territory Counter - Disaster Council

Northern Territory Counter - Disaster Controller

Northern Territory Emergency Service (NTES). At regional level and where necessary local level, the Act requires Controllers and Counter-Disaster Planning Committees. The Act also establishes the functions and responsibilities of the Northern Territory Emergency Service and its Director.

Emergency management - Territory level

The Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services has overall responsibility for the Disasters Act and operates through the Territory counter - disaster organisation which comprises the following key elements.

Northern Territory Counter-Disaster Council

The Council comprises the Territory Controller, Director NTES, and at least three other members appointed by the Minister. The Council advises the Minister on counter - disaster policy and issues, approves all counter-disaster plans and where necessary, advises and directs the Territory Controller and Director NTES with regard to implementation of counter-disaster measures. For disaster and emergency management purposes, the Northern Territory is divided into Regions, each with a Regional Controller (the senior Police Officer in the Region) and a Counter-Disaster Planning Committee.

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Each Region is further divided into localities with the officer in charge of the local police station appointed to carry out the functions of Local Counter-Disaster Controller and Chairperson of the Local Counter-Disaster Planning Committee. Tasmania Arrangements

The Emergency Management Act 2006 establishes the Tasmanian emergency management framework, which operates at State, regional (which are specified groupings of municipal areas) and municipal levels. The Act provides for whole-of-state emergency management arrangements and powers that complement existing hazard specific State legislation. The Tasmanian Emergency Management Plan provides an overview of Tasmania’s arrangements for prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. http://www.ema.gov.au/www/emaw...

Australian Capital Territory The Act establishes the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) and the Emergency Services Commissioner. The services are the ACT State Emergency Service, the ACT Ambulance Service, the ACT Fire Brigade and the ACT Rural Fire Service. The ACT Emergency Plan identifies the lead agency to undertake response to emergencies in the ACT. http://www.ema.gov.au/www/emaw...

Extract from 2009 Broad Terms of National Recovery Principles

http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/communities/pubs/Pages/Recovery.aspx

Disaster recovery is part of emergency management, which includes the broader components of prevention, preparedness and response. Planning for recovery is integral to emergency preparation and mitigation actions may often be initiated as part of recovery.

Disaster recovery includes physical, environmental and economic elements, as well as psychosocial wellbeing. Recovery can provide an opportunity to improve these aspects beyond previous conditions, by enhancing social and natural environments, infrastructure and economies – contributing to a more resilient community.

Successful recovery relies on:

• understanding the context:

Successful recovery is based on an understanding of the community

context.

• recognising complexity:

Successful recovery acknowledges the complex and dynamic nature of

emergencies and communities.

• using community-led approaches:

Successful recovery is responsive and flexible, engaging communities

and empowering them to move forward.

http://www.ema.gov.au/www/emaweb/emaweb.nsf/Page/EmergencyManagement_PreparingforEmergencies_PlansandArrangements_TasmaniaArrangements?open&query=tasmania

http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/communities/pubs/Pages/Recovery.aspx

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• ensuring coordination of all activities:

Successful recovery requires a planned, coordinated and adaptive

approach based on continuing assessment of impacts and needs.

• employing effective communication:

Successful recovery is built on effective communication with affected

communities and other stakeholders.

• acknowledging and building capacity:

Successful recovery recognises, supports and builds

on community, individual and organisational capacity.

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ANIMAL WELFARE COMMITTEE MEETING No.: 8

DATE: 27-29 June 11

LOCATION:GOLD COAST, QLD

PAPER Agenda Item: 17.1

2011 NATIONAL WORKSHOP REPORT ON PLANS FOR ANIMALS IN NATURAL DISASTERS

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. That AWC members:

a) NOTE the barriers, solutions and jurisdiction commitments identified by a National Workshop on Plans for Animals in Natural Disasters held in May 2011 in Attachment A.

b) AGREE to advise their relevant emergency management planning committees in each jurisdiction of the outcomes from the workshop.

c) AGREE to develop a paper to advise AWPIT of the need for a national plan for the management of animal welfare in emergencies and that this plan should be developed with assistance from the Australian Emergency Management Committee (AEMC) of the Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management – Emergency Management.

d) AGREE that the issue of assistance from the AEMC be referred to AWPIT for consideration.

BACKGROUND

1. AWC 4 reviewed emergency management structures and policy in jurisdictions with regard to the welfare of animals in natural disasters. AWC members provided copies of the existing state/territory or local government plans for dealing with natural disasters and it was identified that there is little or no planning and integration for animals in emergency situations. The experiences of the Canberra and Victorian Bush Fires confirmed the need for clear management arrangements for animals. The 2011 Queensland Floods has again raised the importance of this issue.

2. AWC 6 arranged a 2 day workshop on the management of animals in natural disasters that was held on 4-5 May 2011 and attended by 50 key stakeholders from Australia including AWC members, senior government emergency managers, local government emergency planning officers and major animal welfare organisations (e.g. Australian Veterinary Association, State and national RSPCA’s , NZSPCA and international experts on companion animal emergency management (WSPA and NZ MAF). The workshop was facilitated by WSPA.

3. The objectives of the workshop were to review the integration of the needs of animals and their owners into emergency management planning at all levels of government in Australia and to discuss how barriers to this integration can be better managed.

ISSUES

4. The workshop exposed stakeholders to the issues of animal management in various types of emergencies and to discuss how change could occur to manage identified issues and risks, using accepted principles of contingency planning. Secondary to this was the identification of existing barriers that currently prevent this process happening naturally and an agreed plan to develop enhanced national arrangements.

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5. Companion animals in particular are part of the family and during natural disasters; people refuse to evacuate disaster affected areas without their pets, placing humans at increased risk. This was noted by the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission and highlighted in workshop case studies and presentations from WSPA, the OIE Collaborating Centre at Teramo/Italy and the Christchurch earthquake 2011.

6. Participants at the workshop agreed that the management of animals in natural disasters was an important strategic issue, and that current systems required improved integration and management strategies.

7. Key barriers to integration were identified by each state/territory and summarised as national priorities (See attachment 1). Top priorities identified included a lack of recognition of animal welfare as important in emergencies, lack of political will to do this and need for resources, knowledge, planning and systems.

8. It was acknowledged that national leadership was required to provide an appropriate authorising environment and clear strategic direction that leads to comprehensive and consistent inclusion of animal welfare considerations in emergency management arrangements across local, state and national jurisdictions.

CONSULTATION / COMMUNICATION

6. This paper has joint authorship from DAFF and DPI Victoria

FOR DECISION Authors – Peter Thornber – DAFF Steve Tate- DPI Vic 02 June 2011 Attachment A: Outputs from national workshop report on plans for animals in natural

disasters Attachment B: Workshop agenda: Australian workshop on plans for animals in natural

disasters Attachment A: Outputs from national workshop report on plans for companion animals

in natural disasters

SIGNS OF SUCCESS

Clear roles and responsibilities are defined in Emergency Management at all three levels.

Political Commitment exists to support resourcing and responsibilities.

Households/individuals are informed and prepared on how to manage their animals in disasters and act on that.

All animals have access to the five freedoms in the aftermath of disasters or where they need to be euthanised or disposed of this happens appropriately leading to communities returning to normal as soon as possible.

All animals are identifiable.

Stakeholders are able to access information on geographies and populations during emergencies are understood.

Clear and specific legislation exists for the management of animals in disasters which supports stakeholders in their roles.

Nationally consistent approaches exist and there is a culture of cooperation.

States response teams are able to respond across boundaries (as requested) to form a national response function.

Funding is available, accessible, understood and effectively/efficiently used

Stakeholders work cooperatively as a learning conglomerate in a process of continuous improvement

Consistent messaging exists on animal management in emergencies.

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MILESTONES

Animal welfare is accepted as core to emergency management

Blame culture removed from review process and learning cycle

Plans and SOPs exist at all levels – tested and reviewed

All stakeholders are engaged at the right levels

Animal welfare emergency committees exist at all levels

Emergency services include animals in response

Stakeholders are identified

Roles and responsibilities agreed and documented

Policies and guidelines exist

Education and engagement with communities occurs

Individuals understand and accept their responsibilities in disasters and have the tools to fulfil them

Develop networks and trust

Develop roles and responsibilities at all levels.

Gaining collective agreement between stakeholders on roles and responsibilities

Inclusion of the effects of animal loss on social service thinking

Policy and legislation developed

Political endorsement

Clear definition of disaster triggers and level of categorisation.

International guidelines and standards incorporated as applicable. (i.e. OIE, LEGS).

Command & control structure clear

Identify resource requirements

Identify capability gaps

Stakeholders have agreed communications strategies

Key contact sheets/networks shared and known

Common language developed

SUMMARY OF BARRIERS

Lack of policy statement

Some existing legislation not right

Some legislation lacking

Protection of patch (i.e. Emergency services)

Emergency management not focussing on animals

Animals too hard so dumped on SPCA and costs pushed there

Perception of the role of animals and the perception of value of animals. Legal barrier of animals seen as property. People come before property.

Urban vs. Rural differences – Role and value different, change in community spirit between two.

Lack of understanding of peoples behaviour with regards to animals

Paralysis by analysis

Lack of awareness of stakeholders between each other

Lack of networks inter-state and nationally across states

Local government control laws

No national systems in place

Lack of leadership and champions

Gap analysis hasn’t happened

Lack of knowledge of EM frameworks and so AW cannot link in

Lack of resources

Lack of common language

Differences between states

Success too focussed on individuals

Variability of disasters

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Insufficient political will leads to too little resources leads to lack of plan leads to lack of roles and responsibility leads to lack of response, liaison and coordination

Animal management can be problematic

Micro chipping is not consistent across states

Lack of agreed training for AW responders

Lack of efficient planning cycles for stakeholders

People don’t take responsibility for animals themselves

Top Three Barrier Priorities for eACH State

Victoria

Animals not seen as a high priority

Lack of appropriate authorisation

Lack of agreed command, control and communications

NSW

Lack of resources

People not taking responsibility for their animals – community and industry engagement

Animal identification

Queensland

Political recognition of animal welfare, have to argue it every time

Don’t have a specific plan for natural disasters

Intergovernmental relationships

Local Government – ACT

Need for recognition of AW at high levels

Lack of plan for disasters

Lack of standing committee

South Australia

Lack of multi-agency response

Lack of community education

Political will and support

Northern Territories

Big place, few people, high turnover of people, distance

Lack of skills, lack of legislation, lack or resources

Lack of planning input

National Votes – Top Priorities

Lack of recognition of AW as important in disasters

Lack of political will

Lack of systems in place

People not taking responsibility themselves

Culture

Poor linkage to emergency management

NGO politics

Lack of resources

Lack of knowledge

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REFLECTIONS ON NATIONAL PRIORITIES

This shows the priority but many on the list are important

Would be different votes if emergency managers are in the room

Understanding the national priority

Mission statement for AW should be the glue that holds this together

SOLUTIONS AND PLEDGES

Victoria

Short term

Enhanced communication within DPI

Finalise review of State Animal Welfare Emergency Management Plan by September 2011

Expand membership of State Animal Welfare Emergency Committee to include representation from CFA, DHS and SES. Engage with these stakeholders in the finalisation of the Plan.

Consult BAW, MAV and DHS to ensure broader local government awareness of the Plan.

Finalise and implement State Animal Welfare Emergency Communications Plan. Communication activities to take advantage of existing emergency (municipal, regional, state level) and animal management forums.

Seek to incorporate animal welfare arrangements in 2011 review of the Emergency Management Manual Victoria and associated subplans, and reference to arrangements in Domestic Animal Plans/Templates.

Explore the inclusion of animal welfare NGO’s into emergency management arrangements

Will seek to share information between agencies – specifically with Commonwealth and Local Government..

Long term

Secure funding to enable ongoing implementation, training/practice, review and updating of Victoria’s arrangements for the management of AW in emergencies.

Determine training needs of government, organisations and NGOs involved in animal welfare in emergencies.

Incorporate animal welfare into EM agency training/briefings.

Apply relevant training via RTO

Identify, review and align legislation, removing conflicts at the state and national level and barriers to assist NGO’s and SPCAs working together.

Review legislation to determine the significance of AW in emergencies

South Australia

Short Term

Brief to the two state controllers by Nancy and Danielle with aim to get a meeting with them on the issue.

Determine who has responsibility for companion animals and wildlife

Undertake stakeholder identification, capacity analysis and their current and potential roles

Create a communications strategy including a longer term focus on education

Long term

Ensure the discussion is bottomed out on who has responsibility

Leads to a state emergency plan

Leads to legislation

Get AW on NEMC agenda

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Queensland

Short term

Call control group back in

Use national animal welfare strategy to bring disaster management in

Share information – Share plans and documents between NSW

Micro-chipping revisited

MOUs developed with implementers, stakeholder capacity understood

Link the state with national emergency management

Push for a national contact list for interstate cooperation

Plan some public education

Emergency management to be put on Animal Welfare Council agenda

Pledges

Reconvene control group

Pursue process to link AW into emergency management structure

Develop templates and contact lists

Bring animal welfare into operational planning

Develop an understanding of who has what

New South Wales

Pledges

Share existing systems

Undertake a stakeholder review

Northern Territories

Add animal welfare into AWAC agenda

Develop a contact list

Develop AW disaster plans

SPCA NZ

Education info is fed into local groups

National

At the start of a potential policy statement

Need national leadership

Short Term

Paper on outcomes from workshop and recommendations by ACT

Obtain funding to include a module into the Aus Emergency Management Framework

Workshop to develop module for framework

Work out how cascade of committees need to work together to achieve this

Provide more formal training for NGOs

Gap analysis

Emergency management on AWC agenda

National guidelines on evacuation centres

Long term

Seek and ANZAC agreement on animal welfare in emergency management

Develop a consistency in systems (lost and found, volunteers, logistics)

National coordination group is formed.

Try to get on AIAM conference.

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NOTES FROM PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS

In Vic, DPI largely responsible for animals in emergencies including water supply,

disposal etc, and most species from livestock to companion animals. DPI responsible for

wildlife impacted by wildfires. Local Govt responsible for local plans, animal in relief

centres. The Department of Human Resources has an EM Handbook which identified

DPI as lead agency for animals. There is not much reference to animals in the State

Emergency Response Plan

DHS- EMERGENCY RECOVERY DPI- CO-ORDINATION AND LIVESTOCK DSE- WILDLIFE IN FIRES LGA- MOSTLY COMPANION ANIMALS RSPCA- DELEGATED WORK

Royal Commission review following Victorian bushfires highlighted that animal welfare

groups were uncoordinated in their approach. Now a series of working groups and was

more effective in recent flooding in Victoria, although much smaller scale.

The Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Committee has now been formed (Municipal

Association of Victoria, RSPCA, AVA, DPI etc) which has some operational guidelines.

There is a Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan (draft)

Vic- there is a Municipal Emergency Planning groups with reps from animal welfare

NGOs and DPI but does not have legal backing. RSPCA liaison officer positioned within

the animal welfare unit DPI State Recovery Coordination Centre

Situation in Italy following earthquake- people still very reluctant to sterilise their animals

in their tented communities despite being offered for free

QLD- difficulties in transporting feed supplies to intensive industries due to road

blockages

Responsible QLD agencies- Dept of Employment, Economic Development and

Innovation (DEEDI) Biosecurity QLD: established State Disaster Management Group

including RSPCA and linkage with vet schools, industry bodies. Looking to develop

system where they can reimburse NGOs for their contributions. Some disagreement

over which agencies have specific responsibility for certain species.

ACT- only 1 state vet but able to utlisise NSW animal services

NT- does not have any plans for emergency management and animals- couple of initial

meetings but not developed further

According to Commonwealth legislation animals cannot travel in helicopters

Issues that are often not considered- shortage of drugs (particularly euthanasia drugs),

identification of animals (alive and dead). In some emergencies vets shared their

accounts with manufacturers and wholesalers to allow for distribution of supplies

Suggested to have contact list for emergencies, animal partners etc

There are often animal management sub-plans to emergency management plans but not

a priority in the EM plan itself

No representation from WA or Tasmania

Lots of discussions re donations of goods that may be inappropriate- there is a national

project encouraging people to donate money rather than good in disasters focussed

initially on individuals then companies and NGOs in stage 2

Discussions on managing volunteers and partner organisations- some agencies handle

this by having a MOUs with NGOs they will work with and then work with them

exclusively, or through operating in an alliance with conditions stated which could

disqualify groups. Noted that could be worth bringing in groups to manage rather than

letting them operate independently as they are likely to go ahead anyway

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RSCPA is establishing 10+ teams capable of responding in disasters

NSW DPI responsible for animal welfare plan for disaster management. Animals

recognised in EM structure- covers animal ID, evacuation centre planning, engagement

with communities etc

SA using NSW plan as a model. SA has also been told to put into practice

recommendations from Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission (even if not all applicable)

SA has difficulties due to multi-agency responsibilities

There is a national system for animal disease so it is possible to have one for animals in

disasters

Suggestion that animal disaster management could be included in vet curriculum

Was some discussion in break out groups about how to “force” animal owners

(particularly farmers) to evacuate/protect their animals when a disaster is predicted

(flood warnings etc) and possibility of prosecuting for cruelty if they do not make a

reasonable effort to do so.

Need some involvement from Emergency Management Australia- should have animal

welfare on remit already but not extensive knowledge

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Animal Welfare Committee Workshop Agenda

AUSTRALIAN WORKSHOP ON PLANS FOR ANIMALS IN NATURAL DISASTERS

4, 5 May 2011

VENUE — Mantra Hotel Tullamarine, Victoria

Meeting Agenda

Meeting Objectives: 1. Review of the need for animals to be

integrated into emergency management. 2. Consider case studies from recent Australia

disasters, 2011 Christchurch earthquake and one from Italy. (other case studies available for prior reading)

3. Review barriers to integration of animals into emergency planning infrastructure.

4. Identify key gaps in resourcing and responsibility.

5. Agree some immediate actions to improve the situation.

6. Develop a process for future workshops towards integration of processes.

7. Consider the establishment of a National Animal Welfare Emergency Management Committee, similar to the New Zealand approach

.

Meeting Outcomes: 1. An understanding of the international

planning and response framework for animals in natural disasters and some identified critical issues.

2. A shared understanding of animal management problems relating to emergencies in Australia.

3. A shared agreement on priority issues and recommendations that need to be addressed to improve future emergency management arrangements for companion animals, wildlife and peri-urban livestock.

Participants List: Members CHAIR: Richard Bolt, Secretary, DPI VIC, supported by David Harris, DPI, VIC Facilitators: Mr James Sawyer, Head of Disaster Management WSPA- MSc in Civil

Emergency Management, London, Dr Ian Dacre, Disaster Management Operations Director (Asia) – WSPA, Ruth De Vere, Head of Learning – WSPA.

Animal Welfare Committee members AVA President, AVA National Veterinarian RSPCA Australia and State RSPCA Presidents Senior Emergency management staff from Commonwealth and every state/Territory Senior Local Government representatives from each state/territory

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Animal Welfare Committee Gold Coast Queensland

DAY 1 — 4 May 2011

Time Issue Presenter Paper

01 0830-0900 Welcome/Introduction Meeting objectives & outcomes Confirmation of agenda Administrative arrangements

Richard Bolt (Chair)

Agenda and AWC Work plan 2010-11

02 0900-0930 Animal issues in natural disasters Tsunamis, cyclones, hurricanes, floods Fires Drought

Ian Dacre Presentation

03 0930-1000 Animals in earthquakes – the Italian experience Paolo Dalla Villa

Presentation

1000 – 1015 Morning Tea

04 1015-1045 Queensland experiences with cyclones and 2011 Floods

Allison Crook (TBC)

Presentation

05 1045-1115 Christchurch Earthquake 2011 – An integrated response

Roger Poland/ Richie Dawson

Presentation

06 1115-1145 Victorian Bushfires 2009 – The Local Government companion animal experience

Greg Talbot

Presentation

07 1145-1230 Discussion panel Richard Bolt/ James Sawyer/ Ian Dacre/ Roger Poland

Presentation

1230-1330 Lunch

08 1330-1415 The NAWEM experiment – New Zealand David Harris/ Roger Poland/

09 1415-1500 The current landscape – The Australian emergency management model and animals Who leads What animals are covered How are NGOs (AVA, RSPCA, etc) engaged and

who pays and who is engaged/responsible?

Dwane O’Brien Presentation

1500-1530 Afternoon Tea

10 1530-1615 The process for Australia – The proposed solution. James Sawyer Presentation

11 1615-1715 Discussion session Emily Reeves

Presentation

5.15pm Day 1 Meeting Closure David Harris

6.30pm Reception 7.00pm Dinner

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DAY 2 — Friday 11 February 2011

Time Issue Presenter Paper

12 0830 – 0840 Welcome, administration issues David Harris

13 8.40 – 1000 Workshop Session 1 – identification of issues across jurisdictions – barriers.

James Sawyer

1000-1015 Morning Tea

15 1015-1115 Summary Reports from working group leaders on current issues and barriers in plans for animals in natural disasters

James Sawyer

16 1115 – 1215 Discussion

Ian Dacre

1215-1315 Lunch

17 1315-1445 Workshop Session 2 – identification of solutions to current barriers, development of workshop recommendations and a process for changing current arrangements – the work begins

James Sawyer

18 1445-1545 Summary reports from working group leaders

Ian Dacre

1545-1600 Afternoon Tea

19 1600-1630 Next steps – Review of easy wins, commitment to further work and homework!!

James Sawyer

4.00pm Workshop Closure David Harris

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Bali Advertiser article on Earthquake

46 Body & Spirit 02 November - 16 November, 2011

PARADISE...

IN SICKNESS & IN HEALTH

EARTHQUAKE - Again By Kim A. Patra SRN/RM. Ok so we had a big one, at least the biggest one I have felt on the Island in the past 30 years. Thank goodness rumblers like that don’t happen too often, nevertheless it is wise to be prepared for “The Big Ones”, as sitting on a ring of volcanoes where seismic activity is a daily event, an earthquake is always a possible if not probable event. How did the Island handle this 6+ quake that lasted for more than 30 seconds? Everyone you speak to have a vastly different experience than the next person. Some felt the quake very strongly in one area, and yet people 100 meters away hardly felt it at all. Some seemingly sturdy buildings and fixtures crumbled and others had no damage at all. Recounting on the events and experiences of people in various locations around the Island, the biggest dangers seemed to be from falling debris, in particularly glass and large objects such as water towers, statues and signs. I have heard several debates, some of them quite contrary and heated discussions as to what you should REALLY do during an earthquake. Go outside? Stay inside? Get under something? Or try to find yourself a “triangle of life”? I am no expert on earthquakes, or disaster survival and rescue but it seems to me that a “one rule fits all” cannot really be applied. For example in Japan the rule of thumb is to stay inside the building and hold on. Well if I was in Japan I would feel fine with that. Buildings in Japan are specifically structured with very effective foundations to withstand very strong rocking and rolling! If I was in a large building in a place like Bali? Hmmmmm. As far as I am aware (from speaking to a few architects and engineers) there are no guidelines for considerations on quake proofing buildings here. Now lets look at a place like a popular supermarket on Sunset road that sustained quite extensive damage to the façade, as well as a few other buildings close by that had windows shatter. It does seem that the greatest danger here would have been falling debris and glass, or being trampled in the stampede of people all trying to exit down the one an only stair-case. It would be wise I feel for all of us to just take a few minutes to consider the buildings that we and the ones we care for frequent. Supermarkets, schools, banks, offices, factories, our homes and the homes of friends & family. Have a quick look around. Is there an emergency exit or are you standing in a box with one exit that is expected to service hundreds of people? Now I’m not saying we have to walk on egg-shells 24 hours a day lest the ground should shake, but we do need a certain amount of preparedness and protocols with regular drills that need to be put in place (people always remember better by enacting a protocol rather than reading it). I have heard that several expatriate schools are having difficulty putting down some sort of system that everyone can agree on. Ideally safety officers would be called in to assess buildings for safety features and emergency protocols. I am not aware that such services are available here and it would be a costly exercise to bring someone from overseas, however, if the heads of schools got there heads together, wouldn’t it be a worthwhile exercise to share the cost of getting some professional advice on your structures? Once again I don’t think the “one system suites all” can be a wise implementation. Our structures on this Island vary so greatly from bamboo hut (probably the safest place to be!) to multi-storey malls.

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Meanwhile here is some common sense advise on surviving an earthquake, (and yes I have read Douglas Copps “triangle of life theory” and many of the professional arguments disputing this theory). electronic communication network (mobile phones, land lines and internet) will probably NOT be working in the event of a large earthquake or other disaster related event.

• If you have any heavy pictures, paintings, mirrors or light fittings hanging above places where people sit or sleep you may be wise to relocate them. These fittings could easily fall and injure people during a strong quake. • Watch for Possible Warning Signs • Erratic Animal Behaviour - Watch for frightened or confused pets running around. • Ground-Water Levels - Watch for sudden changes of water level in wells or artesian bores. During a quake safety STILL boils down to three basic steps: 1 - Drop to the ground 2 - Take cover by getting under a sturdy desk or table 3 - Hold on to it until the shaking stops. • If there isn’t a table or desk near you, drop to the ground in an inside corner of the building and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms. Do not try to run to another room just to get under a table. • If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow. You are less likely to be injured staying where you are. Broken glass on the floor has caused injury to those who have rolled to the floor or tried to get to doorways. • If you are outdoors, move to a clear area if you can safely do so; avoid power lines, trees, signs, buildings, vehicles, and other hazards. • If you’re driving a car, pull over to the side of the road, stop, and set the parking brake. Avoid overpasses, bridges, power lines, signs and other hazards. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking is over. If a power line falls on the car, stay inside until a trained person removes the wire. • If you’re at the movies or a sports game, stay at your seat and protect your head and neck with your arms. Don’t try to leave until the shaking is over. Then walk out slowly watching for anything that could fall in the aftershocks. If you’re by the shore, drop, cover and hold on until the quake is over.

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APPENDIX F Documents for further information Looking After Yourself After a Disaster – compiled by the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement, Beyond Blue, Australian Red Cross Fire Ecological recovery – an Overview, Department of Sustainabilty and Environment Victoria Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family-John Ashfield Surviving Grief – When Loved Ones Die in a Disaster – a book by people who have survived traumatic grief Restoring our Landscape – a Basic Revegetation Guide for Fire-Affected Areas – Upper Goulburn Landcare network Hands On Health Australia Australian Practitioners Emergency Response Network Manual Victorian Bushfire Recovery Reconstruction Authority – (The principles set out are valuable it was how they are put into practice that counts) *This document including any attachments should be dealt with in accordance with copyright and privacy legislation except where otherwise stated; views expressed are those of the individuals. *In keeping with Privacy Laws only those who have consented to disclose their names have been named in this document, all other names have been with held.

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Mrs Lyn Gunter JP

Adv. Dip. & Dip : Community - Education. Development & Project Management.

Recovery Consultant

Trading as: A Grade Concepts

PO Box 2035, Flowerdale (HAZELDENE) Victoria, Australia 3658

Email: [email protected]

[email protected]

Web: www.lyngunter.com.au



http://www.lyngunter.com.au/

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