Greater Shepparton City Council is inviting residents of Dookie and surrounding areas to take part in a Leaping into Safer Communities workshop, aimed at strengthening local preparedness for emergencies and disasters.
The workshop will bring community members together to identify local emergency risks and help develop a Local Emergency Action Plan (LEAP) for Dookie. Using local knowledge and lived experience, the plan will support residents to better prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies such as floods, bushfires and other incidents.
A LEAP is a community-led plan that helps individuals and households understand how to manage their own safety and assets during an emergency, while also providing practical guidance on how neighbours can support one another when it matters most.
The workshop has been organised in collaboration with a local steering group, Council and emergency management agencies, and will explore key questions including:
- What types of emergencies pose the greatest risk to the Dookie community?
- What impacts could these risks have on people, property and the environment?
- What actions can reduce the effects of emergencies before they occur?
- How can the community stay connected and informed before, during and after an emergency?
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said community participation was essential to effective emergency planning.
"Local Emergency Action Plans are built on local knowledge. By listening to the people who live, work and volunteer in Dookie, we can develop a plan that truly reflects the community and supports safer outcomes," he said.
"Being prepared isn't just about emergency services, it's about communities working together, knowing the risks and having simple, practical actions in place before an emergency happens."
Deputy Mayor and Pine Lodge Ward representative, Cr Geoff Akers, said the workshop would help strengthen community connections as well as preparedness.
"This is an opportunity for residents to share ideas, learn from one another and contribute to a plan that supports Dookie before, during and after an emergency," he said.
"I strongly encourage residents of Dookie and surrounding areas to attend and be part of shaping this important community resource."
Leaping into Safer Communities workshop – Dookie
- When: Wednesday 13 May 2026 from 6pm to 8.30pm
- Where: Dookie Community Centre, Dookie Recreation Reserve, 20-50 Dookie Street, Dookie
- A light supper will be provided
The workshop is part of the Leaping into Safer Communities project, delivered in partnership with Strathbogie Shire Council and funded by the Victorian Government.
