Alongside the Burrell Creek Youth and Community Association (BCYCA), the Hunter JO facilitated a Simtable workshop for residents of Burrell Creek and the surrounding suburbs.

These communities were significantly impacted by the Hillville and Rumba Complex Fires of 2019-20, and the BCYCA has since been coordinating a resilience project that includes community workshops to increase bushfire preparedness and community resilience.

The workshop ran from 10am – 1pm and was attended by 11 residents and several RFS volunteers from local brigades. During the session, the Simtable was used to demonstrate several local bushfire scenarios, including a re-creation of the Hillville fire.

Attendees were able to use the Simtable to investigate several other fire scenarios, understand fire behaviour and how various preparedness strategies – such as property maintenance – can alter fire behaviour and reduce risk. It was also an opportunity for community members to connect with local RFS members and discuss fire preparation and response.

The session was also attended by Janine Friedrich, Community Recovery Officer at MidCoast Council, and Renate Dwyer, Disaster Recovery Mental Health Officer at the Taree Community Health Centre.

To learn more about the Simtables for Community Preparedness project head to our website today!