Nambucca CRN - Facilitating Collaboration and Community Action

Local Government Area: Nambucca Shire Council

Location:

Nambucca Shire, located on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, Australia, is a region characterized by its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant communities, and rich cultural heritage. The area encompasses towns such as Nambucca Heads, Macksville, and Bowraville, all of which are set against a backdrop of pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and meandering rivers.

Nambucca Shire is renowned for its picturesque beaches, including the popular Shelly Beach and Main Beach, offering residents and tourists alike a haven for swimming, surfing, and relaxation. The Nambucca River, winding through the region, provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking, making it a paradise for water enthusiasts.

Culturally, the area celebrates its indigenous heritage, with the Gumbaynggirr people being the traditional custodians of the land. The region hosts various cultural events, art exhibitions, and festivals, showcasing Aboriginal art and traditions, fostering understanding and appreciation among the community.

The Shire is also known for its thriving artistic community, with numerous galleries, studios, and craft markets. Its friendly locals and community-focused events create a warm and inviting atmosphere, making Nambucca Shire a delightful place to live and visit.

Recent significant bushfires in the area:

  • 2020: The Black Summer bushfires burned across large parts of Australia, including the Nambucca Shire. Over 40,000 hectares of land were burned, with significant damage to property and infrastructure.
  • 2019: The Fernmount bushfire burned for over a week, destroying 13 homes and damaging many others.
  • 2018: The Valla bushfire burned for over two weeks, destroying 10 homes and damaging many others.
  • 2017: The Macksville Road bushfire burned for over a week, destroying 6 homes and damaging many others.
  • 2016: The Nambucca Valley bushfire burned for over two weeks, destroying 4 homes and damaging many others.

Focus: Nambucca Community Resilience Network - Patrica Greenwood

The Nambucca Community Resilience Network (CRN) is a group of individuals who work together to build resilience in the Nambucca Valley community. The CRN is committed to helping the community prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies, as well as to build long-term resilience to challenges such as climate change and economic hardship.

The CRN is made up of a small number of dedicated volunteers and residents who meet casually to talk about what they can do to help prepare their community for natural disasters.

The CRN works to build resilience in the Nambucca Valley community through a variety of activities, including:

  • Developing and implementing emergency preparedness and response plans
  • Providing education on emergency preparedness and resilience
  • Supporting community-led resilience initiatives
  • Advocating for policies and programs that support community resilience.

The Nambucca Community Resilience Network is a valuable asset to the Nambucca Valley community. It plays a vital role in helping the community prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies, as well as to build long-term resilience to challenges such as climate change and economic hardship.

The Nambucca Community Resilience Network is a volunteer-based organisation, and its members are passionate about helping their community. The CRN's work is essential for keeping the Nambucca Valley safe and prepared for emergencies, as well as for building a more resilient community for the future.

Interview: Patricia Greenwood - Volunteer - Nambucca Community Resilience Network