REROC AGM HIGHLIGHTS: Re-Election AND DISASTER RISK REDUCTION RECOGNITION
Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils (REROC) Annual General Meeting alongside our Deputy Mayor. It was an exciting and productive day, especially as we learned that REROC had received recognition for its outstanding work on the Disaster Risk Reduction Project, which focuses on Fire and Flood Preparedness. This project has been instrumental in strengthening disaster management planning within our region, and the award is a well-deserved acknowledgment of the efforts put forth to enhance community resilience.
Through this project, REROC has been working to identify gaps in disaster preparedness, engage with local communities, and collaborate with councils and state agencies. The aim is clear: to build a more resilient region that is better equipped to handle the risks posed by natural hazards, such as fire and flood. You can watch the award-winning disaster simulation videos created as part of this project here.
Re-elected to the REROC Executive
I’m also thrilled to share that I have been re-elected as the Greater Hume representative to the REROC Executive Committee. This role allows me to work closely with a small group of Mayors and General Managers to drive the direction of REROC and ensure our region's needs are well-represented at the executive level.
REROC is a collaborative network of seven General Purpose Councils and one Water County Council in the eastern Riverina region. It was founded in 1994 to bring councils together to achieve greater efficiencies and effectiveness in service delivery, while also ensuring our collective voice is heard. As a member of the Executive, I will have the opportunity to advocate for Greater Hume, supporting initiatives like the Disaster Risk Reduction Project, and ensuring that the needs of our community remain a priority.
The Disaster Risk Reduction Project: Fire + Flood Preparedness
The Disaster Risk Reduction Project is one of REROC's flagship initiatives, and I am incredibly proud of the strides we are making in disaster preparedness. The project focuses on Fire and Flood Preparedness and has been designed to help councils across the region better manage disaster risks and enhance resilience. Some of the key objectives of the project include:
Gap Analysis: Assessing current strengths, risks, and vulnerabilities in communities to inform better preparedness strategies.
Community Engagement: Drawing on local experiences and knowledge to create effective disaster preparedness plans.
Regional Collaboration: Partnering with councils, state agencies, and local communities to deliver a comprehensive disaster management strategy.
Framework Development: Integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into local government planning processes to ensure long-term sustainability and readiness.
Resource Development: Creating accessible, sustainable resources that will be available through the REROC website to support ongoing community engagement and preparedness.
This project represents exactly the type of proactive, regional collaboration that REROC is all about. By working together and using local knowledge to shape our plans, we are not just responding to disasters, but preparing for them before they strike.
Looking Ahead
As I step into this role with the REROC Executive, I’m excited about the opportunity to continue pushing forward initiatives like the Disaster Risk Reduction Project that help strengthen the Riverina region. I am committed to ensuring that Greater Hume’s needs and ideas are well-represented in these important regional discussions.
The work being done through REROC and the Disaster Risk Reduction Project is vital to the future of our region, and I look forward to collaborating with fellow council representatives to ensure we continue building a more resilient, connected community.
