Community debrief sessions after 2019/20 bushfires
Upper Murray communities will have the opportunity to attend a series of debriefing sessions about the 2019/20 bushfires to help identify key learnings and areas for improvement in fire preparedness and response.
The fires impacted 935 properties, destroyed 40 homes, and ultimately tore through almost 225,000 hectares within Towong Shire.
Mayor David Wortmann said community debriefing after a major disaster would normally happen much sooner, but COVID19 restrictions has meant this has not been possible to date.
“This region suffered huge personal and business losses, especially in the agricultural sector,” Mayor Wortmann said.
“These debrief sessions will allow fire affected communities to come together to reflect on their experiences and engage with emergency management agencies.”
The community debriefs are coordinated by Towong Shire Council and Bushfire Recovery Victoria, with the support of emergency management agencies.
The sessions will be led by independent facilitator, Cath Botta. Ms Botta is a highly experienced facilitator and community engagement specialist, with substantial experience working with rural and regional communities.
Community members will be encouraged to reflect on the event and to express thoughts, emotions and views. Representatives from key Emergency Agencies will be on-hand to answer any questions about the event and the emergency response phase.
Registrations are required to ensure we can make these sessions COVID safe. To register for the session most convenient for you, go to recoveryhub.eventbrite.com or call the Upper Murray Community Recovery Hub on 1800 518 222.
Monday 22 February
- Corryong - Corryong Memorial Hall, 6pm
Tuesday 23 February
- Thowgla - Corryong Youth Club Hall, 10.30am
- Cudgewa – Cudgewa Football Club, 6.30pm
Wednesday 24 February
- Tintaldra – Tintaldra Hall, 10.30am
- Nariel Valley – Nariel Recreation Reserve, 6.30pm
Thursday 25 February
- Walwa – Walwa Recovery Centre, 10.30am Monday 15 March
- Biggara – Biggara Hall, 10.30am
- Towong – Towong Hall, 6.30pm
Tuesday 16 March
- Berringama/Lucyvale – 6.30pm at Lucyvale Hall
