On Monday, 13 October, Valley Sport brought together eight local clubs and community organisations in Seymour for a hands-on Community Resilience Workshop aimed at boosting disaster preparedness and strengthening community connections.
Thanks to funding from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), the event provided essential tools, knowledge, and strategies to help local groups plan, respond, and recover from natural disasters and emergencies.
The workshop attracted a diverse mix of organisations, including local tennis, cricket, and equestrian clubs, the Lions Club, the Agricultural Society, and the Historical Society—highlighting the crucial role these groups play not only in community sport and recreation but as essential support networks during times of crisis.
“These clubs are the backbone of their communities,” said Valley Sport Project Officer Nate Dedman. “Their willingness to come together, learn, and collaborate shows their deep commitment to keeping their communities safe, connected, and resilient.”
Participants were guided through a series of practical sessions focused on:
- Creating disaster and emergency subcommittees
- Conducting risk assessments and asset registers
- Understanding early warning systems
- Identifying vulnerabilities and establishing trigger points
- Sharing volunteer responsibilities
- Navigating post-disaster recovery and operational continuity
Each group received a customisable Disaster Recovery Toolkit, designed as a living document to evolve with the needs of each club.
A particularly powerful part of the evening was the sharing of experiences from the 2022 floods, which sparked thoughtful discussion, empathy, and the forging of stronger ties between organisations. These new connections may prove vital in future emergency situations.
“The workshop gave us more than just information—it gave us confidence and community,” said one local participant.
Valley Sport will continue working closely with the clubs in the months ahead as they implement the strategies and tools introduced during the workshop.
“This is just the beginning,” said Valley Sport’s Nate Dedman. “We’re excited to support these groups as they strengthen their resilience and continue to serve as trusted, prepared hubs in their communities.”
This initiative was proudly supported by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).