The Burrell Creek community is banding together to build disaster resilience thanks to the joint Federal and State Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund.
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The funding, totalling almost $90,000, will be used to increase the community's disaster preparedness through workshops, the creation of a community map which identifies key resources and vulnerabilities and more.
Federal Member for Lyne, Dr David Gillespie and State Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead visited Burrell Creek on Wednesday (April 14) to make the announcement.
Mr Bromhead said the creation of a community map of resources and vulnerabilities will help not only the residents of Burrell Creek but the emergency responders in the event of disaster.
"Clear mapping of assets, water sources and vulnerabilities on rural properties will be invaluable in helping emergency services to protect lives and property in future disasters," he said.
"The way the Burrell Creek community are banding together to improve future disaster response in the wake of the devastation of the recent bushfires and flooding is a testament to the strength and resilience of the rural community."
Dr Gillespie said this funding will see Burrell Creek, working cooperatively with surrounding communities like Hillville, Bo Bo Creek and Kimbriki to build community resilience and preparedness.
"We know recovery from significant events is a long-term project," he said.
Burrell Creek Youth and Community Association president, John McNamara said a key part of recovery must always be learning how disaster responses can be improved.
"With every devastation comes the opportunity to improve future responses, this funding will enable us to harness community knowledge so that when future disasters inevitably hit we are better prepared to protect our community," Mr McNamara said.
