The study aimed to explore community members' experiences of ‘community-led’ recovery following the 2013 Forcett bushfire in Tasmania. The research purpose was to examine community members’ experiences of non-traditional emergency volunteering, identify how volunteering contributes to building community resilience and develop new ways the emergency management sector can support and engage with this group of volunteers and volunteering organisations. A case study research approach invited participants to participate on the basis of their informal and formal helping role. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews to identify the activities, roles, actions, motivation and meaning of volunteering, during and after emergencies.

As a former resident of Dunalley herself, which was severely impacted by the fire, Dr Fiona Jennings' PhD offers an understanding of how people directly affected respond in a bushfire disaster. The study's findings illustrate a pragmatic view of community resilience, volunteering, and disaster recovery, and offer new ways the emergency management sector can support and engage with community volunteers and volunteering organisations.

This project was completed in March 2018.