NSW Government grants supporting disaster resilience in Aboriginal communities

Homes NSW and Aboriginal Affairs NSW are jointly funding the grants, as part of the Aboriginal Communities Disaster Preparedness Grant Program. 

Grant funding has been awarded to Local Aboriginal Land Councils in Toomelah (Gomeroi Country) near the Queensland border and Mogo (Yuin Country) on the South Coast. 

Both communities are at risk of bushfires and heatwaves, with Toomelah also subject to flooding from the Macintyre River. The grants will support Aboriginal communities to develop their own solutions to better prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters. 
 

crop_originalImage creditkeyboard_arrow_up

Funding will run for two years and support the development and implementation of a local emergency management plan in each community. These will be co-designed by the community, Homes NSW, Aboriginal Affairs NSW and local emergency services. 

The plans will identify and implement local emergency management initiatives to build resilience to bushfires, storms and pandemics.

For more information visit: www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/aboriginal-communities-disaster-preparedness-grant-program

Homes NSW, Executive Director, Disaster Welfare, Feargus O’Connor said: 

“These grants represent a vital investment in the safety and preparedness of Aboriginal Communities. By supporting Toomelah and Mogo, we’re ensuring that they are better equipped to face natural disasters, protecting both their homes and cultural heritage.” 

“It also highlights the power of working together—Aboriginal communities, the NSW Government, and local emergency services all coming together to co-design a response plan that truly meets the unique needs of these regions.”

Aboriginal Affairs NSW, Deputy Secretary, Shame Hamilton said:

“Aboriginal people have a deep connection to Country and know what solutions work best for their communities in responding to natural disasters such as bushfires and floods.

“Aboriginal Affairs NSW is pleased to be supporting the Aboriginal communities of Toomelah and Mogo to build resilience and develop their own solutions in partnership with government and emergency services.

“We know there are better outcomes when Aboriginal organisations and people design, lead and implement solutions, in partnership with government.

“Given the increase in weather events and the devastating impacts like those experienced by the Mogo community during the 2019/2020 Black Summer Bushfires, it is important that communities are engaged and supported to be as well prepared as possible.”

Uncle Rex Weribone, CEO of Toomelah Local Aboriginal Land Council said:

“This grant will support Aboriginal people on Gomeroi Country to prepare for and recover from future disasters. Toomelah regularly experiences drought, floods and heatwaves. It’s essential that emergency plans are co-designed by Aboriginal people, based on our connection to Community and Country.”

Linda Carlson, CEO of Mogo Local Aboriginal Land Council said: 

“The Aboriginal community of Mogo has experienced the on-going impacts of extreme weather events such as bushfires. We look forward to working with emergency services to develop local, community-led solutions to prepare for future disasters.”