A new insights report from a unique collaboration between the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and the University of Sydney confirms that community-led, place-based approaches are critical to building disaster resilience in remote, rural and regional communities.
The report, based on four years of action research across three Victorian communities, validates the effectiveness of FRRR’s Disaster Resilient: Future Ready (DR:FR) initiative. It highlights the importance of combining complexity thinking with a seven-dimension resilience framework (developed by Rawsthorne, M., Howard, A., Joseph, P., Sampson, D. & Katrak Harris, M. (2023)) to support communities in navigating the unpredictable nature of disaster preparedness and recovery.
“This program has shown that resilience-building is not linear. It requires time, trust and tailored support that reflects the unique context of each community,” said Nina O’Brien, FRRR’s Disaster Resilience & Recovery lead.
An insights report is available to download, alongside a report for the communities, but key findings for funders and policy-makers include:
- Complexity thinking is essential: Communities must navigate non-linearity, emergence and dynamic contexts. Supporting them requires flexible funding and adaptive policy frameworks.
- The Resilience Dimensions framework is a useful guide for action: Decision-making, networks, information, self-organising systems, inclusion, communication and resources are all critical levers for resilience.
- Place-based, long-term investment works: The DR:FR model empowers communities to co-design solutions, build inclusive networks and sustain momentum beyond the program’s lifespan. This success should instil confidence in funders and policymakers considering similar investments.
- Support structures matter: Consistent resourcing, including ongoing support and the early involvement of community coaches, alongside streamlined funding access to bring ideas to reality and recognition of in-kind contributions are vital to success.
- Avoid over-formalisation: It is important to remember that community energy is best harnessed through organic, inclusive processes rather than rigid planning structures.
- Building resilience takes time: Funders and partners need to be patient and recognize that community-life and unexpected events, like disasters or changes in key community leaders, may slow progress. Flexibility is critical.
Implications for the disaster recovery sector
The DR:FR Victoria program demonstrates that community-led resilience building is not only feasible but highly effective when supported with the right tools, relationships and resources. Funders and policymakers are encouraged to:
- Invest in long-term, flexible funding models that support communities to adapt and evolve;
- Recognise and value volunteer contributions and local knowledge;
- Embed action research and learning loops into program design; and
- Foster multi-directional communication between communities and formal emergency systems.
FRRR is currently expanding the DR:FR initiative into Queensland’s Burnett Inland region, in partnership with Red Earth Community Foundation and supported by the Australian Government and Minderoo Foundation. FRRR is actively seeking new partners to scale this proven model nationally.
The findings will be shared in more detail at a public webinar to be held on Thursday, 14 August. Register via Humanitix. To learn more about the Disaster Resilient: Future Ready program, visit www.frrr.org.au/DRFR.