Inclusive disaster preparedness: Partnering with the Kurrachee Co-operative

Supported by the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s Supporting Spontaneous Volunteers Program, this project focuses on enhancing the resilience of people with disabilities, First Nations peoples, LGBTIQ+ community members, and those facing financial hardship. As part of our Inclusive and Accessible initiative, we're partnering with the Kurrachee Co-operative Society in Coraki to deliver disaster preparedness workshops tailored to the needs of underrepresented communities.

Through our early consultations with the Kurrachee community in Coraki, we've identified three key areas for these workshops: preparing for disasters, energy security, and communications security. These sessions aim to empower participants with practical skills and knowledge to better prepare for and respond to emergencies. They are planned for September 9th, 16th and 23rd.

The Kurrachee Co-operative Society plays a pivotal role in supporting the local Bundjalung people, focusing on cultural preservation, housing, employment, and welfare services. With deep ties to the land and culture, the Co-operative has been instrumental in fostering resilience within the community. Following the severe flooding in 2022, the Co-operative collaborated with Bundjalung organisations to provide critical support to affected families. By partnering with the Kurrachee Co-operative on these workshops, we aim to leverage their local knowledge, cultural insights, and extensive networks, ensuring our efforts are both effective and culturally sensitive.

We look forward to working closely with the Kurrachee community to build stronger, more connected, and disaster-resilient communities.