Darwin workshop focuses on resilience

A five-day workshop for senior Traditional Owners and Indigenous Rangers was held in the Northern Territory from 19 to 23 August 2019.

Charles Darwin University organised the workshop, which was made possible through the Emergency Management Volunteer Scholarship Program and funded by an Australian Government grant from Emergency Management Australia, in the Department of Home Affairs.

Workshop participants came from remote communities who face challeneging natural hazards including Weemol; Katherine; Borroloola; Maningrida; Raminging and Ngukurr. The workshop was held in rural Darwin, where it provided an opportunity for participants to come together to share ideas and discuss issues while further developing their skills and knowledge.

The workshop included accredited units and covered a range of topics including: leadership models of emergency management in remote communities; fire management; operational planning and communicating with emergency management agencies. During the week, participants were joined by Northern Territory Emergency Service and Bushfires NT, with a scenario planning exercise held on the final day.

Trishina Davey travelled from Robinson River to attend the workshop. She said she liked the training and the opportunity to see other Rangers.

Many participants said they appreciated being able to share ideas as a group and workshop solutions that can help to further build resilience in their communities.

The Emergency Management Volunteer Scholarship Program provides a pathway for further study and enables volunteers to gain skills and qualifications in disaster resilience and emergency management.