A buddy system to help people in fire affected areas rebuild their properties has been established, and will be coordinated by the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (PPWCMA).
The Landcare Buddy System will link landholders and Landcare or friends groups in the fire affected areas, with groups from the wider Melbourne area that can provide assistance, equipment or knowledge to help with the rebuilding and recovery process.
These might be services such as restoring fencing, cleaning up affected areas, planting, providing advice, or listening to and sharing stories and experiences about the fires.
Landcare groups are traditionally made up of people who have an interest in the land or the environment and often have practical skills and experience that can be beneficial in such situations. In some cases, the members of Landcare groups have themselves lived through a fire incident and have experience with the recovery process.
Around 10 Landcare and friends groups from the Port Phillip and Western Port region have so far volunteered as Buddies. Clean up and restoration work by groups has already begun on public land which will help minimise risk of erosion and landslip, but further restoration work will be required on both private and public land.
Landcare Buddies can provide the following to fire affected landholders:
- People resources’ to help pull down damaged fences, erect new fences or undertake planting
- Equipment to help with fencing or replanting trees or plants
- Help source native seed, and grow or source plants for replanting
- Peer support and shared experiences in dealing with bushfires and the after-affects
- Knowledge and contacts for landholders looking for advice or direction on “what do I do next?”
- Provide useful contacts for workshops and information sessions run in the area
While practical skills and expertise is the prime reason these groups have become involved, Landcare and friends groups can, and do, play an important role in the recovery of communities affected by such disasters.
Landcare groups have often been a social conduit in regional communities, and the sharing of knowledge among these groups in times of disaster can be incredibly beneficial.
Coordinator of Landcare Buddies, the PPWCMA’s John Robinson says “Landcare groups have been around in Victoria for more than 20 years and in many cases play a vital role in strengthening the social fabric of local communities.
“Landcare group members are invariably generous and willing to share their knowledge and resources, provide expertise and help each other out in times of need. It’s no surprise that groups outside the areas affected by the fires have put their hands up to help.”
John Robinson says a long term commitment to support affected communities is important. He also recognises that this type of support system could have benefits throughout the state.
“The recovery and restoration in the fire affected areas won’t happen overnight. We would like to think that the Landcare and Friends of groups working together as “buddies” will also strengthen social networks both among and between these groups.
“The Landcare Buddy System is another way that people and groups in fire affected can access support and assistance from the wider community as they rebuild and recover.”
The Port Phillip and Westernport CMA is asking any group who can offer assistance to contact Landcare Buddies Coordinator John Robinson on 9218 5611.
|