Return to normal view

2007 Australian Safer Communities Awards

The 2007 Australian Safer Communities Awards national presentation ceremony was held in Canberra on 14 February 2008. The Australian Safer Communities Awards recognise and encourage organisations and projects, which demonstrate best practice and innovation in emergency management.

Notable Victorian winners were the Sassafras-Ferny Creek Fire Brigade and Maribyrnong City Council (in conjunction with Cube Management Solutions).

The Sassafras-Ferny Creek Fire Brigade won the Pre-Disaster (Volunteer Organisation) award for their Living Safely with Bushfire initiative. Living Safely with Bushfire is an information booklet with the aim of educating the community about bushfire preparedness. The booklet was produced by the Brigade containing localised information specifically for the Sassafras Ferny Creek district. The booklet was freely distributed to local residents in a bid to empower residents to consider their safety during bushfires.

The Sassafras-Ferny Creek Fire Brigade is led by Captain John Schauble, John is also a Senior Policy Analyst with the Office of Emergency Services Commissioner.

Maribyrnong City Council and Cube Management won the Post-Disaster, (Combination Stream) for their joint development of Emergency Relief Centre Management Guidelines for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) groups.

The guidelines were developed with the aim of creating comprehensive management principles for the needs of CALD communities within the initial 48-72 hours of the establishment of an emergency relief centre. The guidelines are also an awareness-raising tool and an avenue for managers of emergency relief centres to increase their understanding of CALD communities in their areas.

Emergency Services Commissioner, Bruce Esplin congratulated all those involved in the Awards, including the Victorian nominees and winners.

“It is fantastic to see two innovative and progressive Victorian projects recognised at a national level,” said the Commissioner.