THE Glasshouse Country Disaster Management Network (GCDMN) recently met to reconnect, plan future developments, and identify potential locations for places of refuge.
Seventeen community groups, frontline services, churches and businesses, represented by 26 people, also completed a ‘Resilience Readiness Scorecard’ to assess how prepared they are to support residents during disasters.
Since its formation in 2019, the network has evolved as a collaborative effort to support disaster communications, coordinate donations, supply meals, and care for people, animals and the environment.
The GCDMN has activated in recent years to assist frontline services during bushfires, floods and ex-Cyclone Alfred.
GCDMN representative Natasha Odgers said the network’s strength lies in collective support across the region.
“Next, we are considering arrangements within individual townships for when each town may become isolated, like during the 2022 floods,” she said.
A Glasshouse Country disaster preparedness information booklet will soon be reprinted and distributed to real estate agents, local groups and shopfronts to help residents better prepare.
More information is available at www.gcdmn.com.au