Published works

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ (DFES) At Risk Communities Program was developed as a result of findings from the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission and the Keelty Inquiry into the 2011 Perth Hills Bushfires. Both the Royal Commission and Inquiry identified service gaps around people considered most vulnerable (being at risk) in a bushfire, and a need to address this gap. The At-Risk Communities program targets vulnerable members of the community who may be at greater risk of injury or death due to their inability to receive, understand or act on information during a bushfire emergency. It aims to address the gaps in service delivery by targeting the ageing population and those living with disabilities who live in their own homes that may be considered vulnerable due to the above. The program’s purpose is to help at risk people to be better prepared for bushfire emergencies, by working with the Health and Community Services Agencies (Agencies) that provide a critical link to these community members, who often live in isolation.