Adelaide Hills Council’s Towards Community Led Emergency Resilience project has received the Resilient Australia Local Government award at the South Australian Resilient Australia Awards.
The awards, managed by the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience, celebrate initiatives that build whole of community resilience to disasters and emergencies and recognise collaboration and innovative thinking.
The project supports communities to prepare for bushfires and other emergencies, taking learnings from bushfire events that have affected the Adelaide Hills district, in particular Sampson Flat, Cudlee Creek and Cherry Gardens.
“Unfortunately, our region has experienced multiple natural disasters in recent years which has highlighted the importance of community resilience,” said Acting Mayor, Nathan Daniell.
“During my time on Council we have been hit with multiple fires, flood events, storms, and blackouts – a lot for any community to endure.
“This award recognises our hard work and our strategic vision in how we are working with
community to build their resilience in the face of natural disasters.\
“After the Cudlee Creek Bushfire, it became clear that a dedicated project and resourcing was required to support ongoing recovery needs in the community. This award-winning innovative project is exploring new ways to support a community led approach and build local capacity and emergency resilience for the future,” he said.
The Council also extended its congratulations to the Charleston Community Centre who took out the South Australian Resilient Australia Community Award.
“Council’s community resilience team have enjoyed building a closer relationship and supporting them as they lead the direction of their emergency resilience,” said Chief Executive Officer, Greg Georgopoulos.
“Although born out of disaster, it is wonderful to see how our community has come together in the face of adversity and recognised for its resilience.”
State winners will be considered at the national Resilient Australia Awards later this year.
The Towards Community led Emergency Resilience project is funded by the Australian Government through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery grant and Preparing Australian Communities Grant, and by the State Government through Wellbeing SA.