Community Education Session Clarifies Emergency Response Roles

Published on 25 August 2025

Residents of the Bellingen Shire recently attended a community education session about Evacuation Centres, learning how decisions are made regarding when centres are open and where they are located.

The community heard from agencies such as the RFS, SES, Fire and Rescue, Department of Communities and Justice, Local Land Services and NSW Police, who all have a part to play in emergency situations.

Presentations from the Regional Emergency Management Officer also helped to clarify how Emergency Management works both at a regional level and local level.

Bellingen Shire Council Deputy General Manager of Operations Ashley Greenwood said many good conversations were had, which enabled better understanding of who makes the decisions and when, as well as how Council fits into the emergency response model.

“Many residents did not realise the complexity of the decisions that are made and were reassured that community safety is always at the forefront of such decisions,” said Mr Greenwood

“The takeaway message from this session is that community members need to be prepared, have action plans in place and leave early if in doubt in any emergency, be it fires or floods.”

“Understanding the risks to your family and home when there is an emergency is vital and communicating your plan with family and friends is imperative.”

Some of the concerns raised by residents include a lack of local consultation, a need for more assistance to make disaster plans, especially for more vulnerable members of the community, no evacuation centre on the north side of Bellingen, and concerns about being trapped in times of an emergency, with one road in and out.

Mr Greenwood, went on to say that a core investment in emergency management and resilience by Council ensures that we can continue to work closely with the community, supporting emergency preparedness and education in conjunction with the other first responder agencies.

“The Coordinator of Emergency Management and Resilience is now a permanent position, enabling Council to work closer with the community on a preparedness plan or hold more community information sessions if there is demand,” said Mr Greenwood.

“There is also the opportunity to work on a community communication plan with other agencies such as RFS and SES to support clear and transparent communication in times of emergency.”

“Some next steps that were discussed at the meeting include continued conversations with local agencies about how we can improve communication to the local community, the potential to hold further emergency education sessions, and work with local vulnerable people for emergency preparedness and planning.”