Greater Shepparton City Council is encouraging residents to prepare for emergencies by attending a series of free First 72 Hours workshops to be held across Greater Shepparton and online throughout June 2026.
Workshops run for approximately two to three hours and focus on helping individuals, families and households prepare for the first 72 hours of an emergency, a critical period when essential services may be disrupted and emergency assistance may not be immediately available.
Emergencies such as floods, storms, heatwaves and bushfires can occur with little warning. During these events, households may experience power outages, loss of water or gas, limited access to food, and difficulties communicating with loved ones.
The First 72 Hours workshops provide practical information and tools to help people plan ahead, prepare an emergency kit and understand how to stay informed during an emergency. To better adapt, participants will also leave the workshop with their own emergency kit "dry bag".
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali said being prepared ahead of time can make a significant difference during an emergency.
"In the first few days following a major emergency, emergency services may not always be able to reach everyone straight away," he said.
"That is why planning ahead is so important. Having a clear plan and basic supplies ready can help individuals and families feel more confident, supported and better able to cope during an emergency."
Council's Director Healthy Communities and Liveability, Briana Baass said the workshops are designed to be practical, accessible and relevant to local conditions.
"Preparing for an emergency starts with having the right information and a simple plan," she said.
"These sessions focus on simple, practical steps people can take now to prepare themselves, their families, neighbours and pets, and to better understand what to do if an emergency occurs in our local area."
Workshop dates and locations:
Uniting VicTas - The Settlement Hub, Shepparton
Tuesday 16 June: 1:30pm to 4:30pm
North Shepparton Community & Learning Centre
- Wednesday 17 June: 9.30am to 12.30pm
Tatura Community Hub
- Wednesday 17 June: 6pm to 9pm
Shepparton South Community Hub
- Thursday 18 June: 9.30am to 12.30pm
Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre
- Thursday 18 June: 2pm to 4.30pm
Online sessions
- Monday 22 June: 7pm to 9pm (accessible and inclusive session i.e. no use of cameras)
- Tuesday 23 June: 7pm to 9pm
Additional sessions may be scheduled if required.
Spots are limited. Book a place at a workshop via the TryBooking website. The First 72 Hours resources include a household emergency plan template and practical preparedness information, available in multiple languages on Council's website.
Download the 72 Hours Emergency Plan template, or access resources in multiple languages. Hard copies are also available from Council's Customer Service Centre counter in Welsford Street, Shepparton.
