A Surf Coast and Colac Otway workshop has been held to encourage disability-inclusive emergency planning.
The Surf Coast and Colac Otway Shire Councils hosted a Country Fire Authority (CFA) forum led by Sydney University’s Disability Research and Policy Centre Professor Michelle Villeneuve on June 23.
Surf Coast Shire Deputy Mayor Councillor Mike Bodsworth said he welcomed the workshop that inspired inclusive communities.
“This has helped mobilise a process with such high purpose,” he said.
“Building a structure and better understanding around caring for our most vulnerable in times of crisis, and one of the most important outcomes from the workshop was the local networking.
“We thank and commend everyone who contributed to this forum, especially those with first-hand experiences of the particular challenges people with disability and their carers can face in times of emergency.
“We look forward to sharing the University of Sydney insights from the workshop with all participants, emergency services and service providers, and continuing the conversation during coming months.”
Close to 30 attendees attended the workshop, including representatives from the CFA, Red Cross, disability providers, advocacy groups, council emergency management, and disability inclusion staff.
The workshop was also funded through a program managed by Emergency Management Victoria as part of the Clearing the Path to Disability Inclusive Fire and Emergency Planning project.
Each council will support the CFA’s Emergency Planning Advice Service program following the workshop, and people can register for the free service during 2023.
The service supports people who live with a disability, are older or have chronic or acute medical conditions by creating a fire plan.
