| NCOSS spoke to Anthony Marshall from Monaro Family Support Service about his efforts to help the community prepare for summer.
How did you come to be working in the social services sector?
I spent two decades in both the private and public sectors. After witnessing the massive societal divide that
emerged post-COVID, I felt compelled to make a difference. I initially came to the Monaro region on a two-year contract, and that was 24 years ago.
How are you helping the community prepare for summer this year?
We conduct numerous workshops, focusing on remote communities first. We set up stalls to help people think about disaster preparedness. We work with them to review their plans and discuss potential events, not just bushfires but also large storms that can disrupt roads, powerlines and other infrastructure.
What are some of the challenges?
Trust between the community and some government agencies was severely eroded during the 2019 fires. That's where we come in, as people trust us across the Monaro. We inform them about available services and help them navigate the process. The scale of the 2019 disaster was unprecedented, and with
the entire Eastern seaboard affected, there was little external help available to us on the Monaro. Since then, we've focused on helping communities become more resilient and self-reliant.
What is an innovative way you've worked with your community?
We meet the community where they already gather. For example, we join craft groups, painting groups, or bridge clubs and integrate disaster preparedness into these sessions. This approach works well because people are already engaged and comfortable in these settings, leading to open and honest discussions.
If you could change one thing about how we support communities to build resilience, what would it be?
The biggest gap during past disasters was the lack of a community space where people felt safe. Evacuation centres were stressful and unsuitable for young families, vulnerable individuals,
and people with disabilities. We need community hubs that are available during normal times, not just created in response to disasters.
We're working to establish a few here. At these hubs, we remind people to have their grab bags, checklists, evacuation plans and medications ready. Making these steps part of everyday life ensures that when a disaster strikes, it's second nature. This way, there's no panic, and people know there's a safe, comfortable place to go, complete with amenities like kids' change rooms and nursing rooms. This would significantly reduce the stress during disasters and greatly improve the mental health of people post disaster.
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