Hume City Council has successfully hosted this year's large-scale Emergency Relief Centre (ERC) Exercise, bringing together 14 councils from across the North West Metro Region.
Held at the Mickleham North Community Centre, the exercise brought together hundreds of council staff, emergency personnel, and Kangan Institute students to simulate a real-life emergency scenario, representing and supporting a combined population of more than 2.4 million residents.
This annual training event tested the region's ability to respond swiftly and effectively during a crisis, ensuring that councils remain ready to provide immediate relief and support to affected communities.
By replicating the pressures and complexities of a real emergency event, the exercise strengthened regional preparedness, identified opportunities for improvement, and reinforced the importance of functional and well-coordinated Emergency Relief Centres.
Emergency Relief Centres play a critical role during emergencies, providing safe, accessible spaces where impacted residents can receive essential support.
Trained council staff volunteers deliver shelter, first aid, food, water, personal hygiene items, emotional support, and connections to key agencies such as Australian Red Cross and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.
Hume's Emergency Management team responds to multiple incidents each year, including grassfires, residential and industrial fires, flooding, storms, and other emerging challenges.
This year's collaboration showcased the region's strong commitment to sharing expertise, resources, and best practice through a unified and coordinated approach ensuring that no community is left behind.
Together, councils across the North West Metro Region reaffirmed their shared commitment to protecting lives, supporting communities, and building resilience in the face of emergencies.
