Metcalfe brigade members receiving their donation
A recent bushfire resilience study in Mount Alexander Shire found that local households are taking significant steps to reduce their fire risk.
The University of Melbourne's Community Engagement for Disaster Risk Reduction (CEDRR) project was funded by Natural Hazards Research Australia and conducted with strong support from CFA.
The project engaged 377 households in the Mount Alexander Shire and achieved an exceptional 92 percent follow up rate of 345 people.
The study looked at how one-on-one engagement, reflective risk discussions and personalised bushfire education sessions can help strengthen household bushfire risk prevention, preparedness and capacity to adapt.
Chewton Fire Brigade's Community Safety Coordinator Rob Reid Smith facilitated the bushfire education sessions and said the study demonstrated just how effective community-led education can be.
"Engaging with more than 300 people allowed us to connect with parts of the community we don't typically reach through our usual engagement activities," Rob said.
"The sessions were rewarding because people came wanting the information, which led to deeper engagement and follow up actions.
"It was encouraging to see clear evidence that people weren't complacent and genuinely wanted to prepare for the upcoming fire season."
Findings from the study show that community members who participated in a CFA led bushfire education session were two and a half times more likely to implement at least one new prevention, preparedness or home adaptation action than other participants who did not.
Additionally, 76 percent shared what they learned with family, neighbours and community groups, helping spread awareness across the community.
Participants found the sessions to be insightful, prompting actions to reduce bushfire risk at home and in their community.
"What stood out was, the engagement, felt very warm and human. It felt like an alliance rather than an interrogation or a 'you should be doing this' sort of thing," said a participant.
Dr Peter Kamstra, Human Geographer from the University of Melbourne said the study's findings contribute directly to improving bushfire preparedness and benefited greatly from the support of CFA.
"Having a CFA volunteer deliver the sessions made them practical, locally relevant and highly credible for residents." Peter said.
As part of the initiative, participants were given the opportunity to nominate an organisation to receive a donation. CFA brigades Metcalfe, Elphinstone, Chewton and Taradale were fortunate recipients, with the funds providing valuable support as they prepare for the upcoming fire season.
