Walking alongside Jubullum: a year of learning and preparedness

During the SSVP grant period, we were privileged to work alongside community members from Jubullum Aboriginal Community. Our journey began early in the year with conversations with Auntie Angie and Auntie Roxanne, who generously shared stories from the traumatic 2019–2020 bushfire season and the ongoing work they’ve been doing to support community preparedness.

From April to November, the Plan C team spent time on Country with community members to strengthen disaster readiness. Together, we identified risks, explored practical ways to support vulnerable households, built confidence using emergency apps, practised radio communications, and developed tools to guide community-led responses—even in moments of stress or conflict.

In our final session in November, the community reflected on a recent close call with a bushfire alert. It reinforced what we’d been building all year: that preparation, communication and calm coordination can make a real difference when the pressure is on.

Although the SSVP grant is coming to a close, our relationship with Jubullum is not. We’re now working towards a Surviving Disasters program at Tabulum School and exploring practical ways to support the community to turn their disaster plans into real-world drills and practice.

We’re deeply grateful to everyone in Jubullum who welcomed us, shared their knowledge, and trusted us to walk alongside them.