Community Disaster Volunteers needed in the Scenic Rim

Scenic Rim Regional Council and the Australian Red Cross are calling for potential Community Disaster Volunteers to sign up before the end of May.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen recognised the important role volunteers play in our community and hoped people would take up this opportunity to give back to their community.

"We've had a pleasing number of people put their hand up to volunteer since the call out in March, however we would welcome more people to come forward, particularly in Tamborine Mountain, Boonah, Aratula, and Tarome," he said.

“Community Disaster Volunteers are local people who have the empowering job of showing support before, during and after disasters and enhancing their communities’ capacity to deal with disruptions.

“These volunteers will also connect Council with the Scenic Rim residents by helping us understand the community’s strengths and vulnerabilities so we can better support them in an emergency.

“They are a highly valuable resource to Council, emergency services and the Scenic Rim communities.”

Australian Red Cross Recovery Officer Antoine Chandonnet reassured that volunteers will be provided with all the necessary training at the upcoming workshops held in June across the Scenic Rim.

“Disasters can have complex and long-lasting impacts on our lives," he said

"It’s therefore important for Community Disaster Volunteers to understand the psychosocial aspects of disasters and learn about strategies to support their community’s recovery journey.

“These are people who have strong local knowledge, not only about risks and hazards, but also about people in their community who might need extra support when disasters strike.

"They are well-placed to share information from disaster management authorities, and to bring to their attention community needs.

"They also know what strengths can be leveraged to make their community more resilient."

"An important aspect of the training is about identifying and building on those strengths, however learning about self-care strategies is critical and enables volunteers to support their community in the long run, while being mindful of their own well-being.”

Antoine explains there is much to gain from the experience of being a Community Disaster Volunteer.

“You can acquire new skills and knowledge, develop new connections, make new friends, and sometimes just have fun together," he said

"Being involved in community-led disaster support is a great way to help people while learning and growing.”

For more information please download Council's Community Disaster Volunteers Fact Sheet. 

To apply please download Council's Volunteer Application Form and return before the first training begins in June. View the full schedule of trainings across the Scenic Rim below: