Disasters, Emergencies & Neighbourhood Resilience

Emergencies and disasters - such as floods, fires, storms, heat waves, or power outages - can strike without warning. Being prepared makes a significant difference in how you, your family, neighbours, and community stay safe and recover from these events.

This page offers simple steps, trusted information, and helpful links to guide you through preparing, responding, and recovering from emergencies and disasters. The Neighbourhood Resilience section gives ideas on how to build and maintain a connected, healthy neighbourhood that can overcome challenges together. We've also collected local stories that highlight our community's wisdom, along with resources to inform and empower you.

  • Being prepared can help keep you safer and make things less stressful when an emergency happens. A little planning now can make a big difference later.

    This page has easy steps, checklists and useful links to help you get ready — preparedness is a process, not a one-time event.

    Find out how to prepare here.

  • Knowing what to do during an emergency is crucial for keeping yourself and your loved ones safe. We have outlined a step-by-step guide that outlines key steps you may choose to take during a disaster and helps you respond effectively in an emergency.

    Find the guide here.

  • The days, weeks and months after a disaster are often overwhelming, but support is available. We have put together some of the essential services available to help you recover. Whether you need financial assistance, legal advice, or emotional support, there are people and organisations ready to help you through this challenging time.

    Find the services here.

  • Neighbourhood resilience refers to a neighbourhood’s shared ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters and emergencies. It encompasses the resources, relationships and wider networks that help local residents support each other during challenging times. This includes sharing critical knowledge and resources while building strong connections between residents, local organisations and in some cases, the local disaster management arrangements such as SES and police. Neighbourhood resilience reflects a neighbourhood’s passion, local expertise and inherent goals to strengthen their ability to prepare, respond and recovery from disasters and emergencies.

    Find more about neighbourhood resilience here.

  • We have put together a collection of further resources you may find helpful when considering disasters, emergencies & community resilience. Below you'll find helpful links and materials for everyone in your household, including parents, caregivers and children. We've also included resources in multiple languages to ensure this vital information is accessible to all community members.

    Find resources here.

Need more info or just want to talk it through?

Drop in for a cuppa at Benarrawa Community Development Association — we’re here to help.

Not nearby? You can also find your local neighbourhood or community centre for support in your area.

Contact us