Building and Sustaining

Western Australia faces a broad range of emergencies both man made and natural events ranging from tropical cyclones and bush fires to serious transport crash, chemical spills and industrial accidents. For the most part communities have been told what they will do by response agencies and have not been allowed to take ownership and responsibility for reducing the risks that affect them.

A fundamental challenge for Local Government in achieving a safer and sustainable community is how to effectively engage the community in emergency management activities. By working in partnership with the community, we can prevent and minimise the potential heartache, cost and devastation caused by these events by increasing the community's capacity and capability to cope with emergencies.

Community engagement involves a process of working collaboratively with the and through groups of people affiliated through geography proximity, special interest, or similar situations to address issues affecting the well being of those people.

Researchers have suggested that it is a powerful vehicle for bringing about environmental and behavioral changes that will improve the health of the community and its members. Community engagement is more likely to be successful when the true equality of community leadership is intended and applied as opposed to an autocratic top down approach.

Follow the links provided for some useful information on community engagement methodology.

A Simple Guide for Engaging the Community in Emergency Management

Maribyrnong City Council - Community Engagement Framework

Dialogue with the City - Final Report of Proceedings

Strategic Plan to Nationally Enhance Emergency Management in the Community