The Go List Project
Emerald Community House conceived of an idea last October when Jon Faine and ABC774 broadcasted from ECH Hall. Called the Bridge Project (... like a bridge over troubled waters...), the concept was designed to assist people in high risk areas to make the choice to leave on high fire risk days by providing them with a list of destinations.
After ECH contacted the Hon. Lisa Neville, MP Community Services directly, the Director of Emergency Management, Craig Lapsley, contacted Mary Farrow, then ECH Chairman, to further discuss the possibilities. After a Sunday morning meeting in Emerald with Mary and Cheryl Webster (Burwood Neighbourhood House and ANHLC Marketing Board member), and Paul Trickey, ECH IT Consultant, from Network Help, it was decided that DHS would fund the cost of developing the database and assembling the list. The focus for 2010 would be support for the Melbourne metro fringe high risk fire areas with destinations outside the fire danger areas and predominantly inward toward the metropolitan area. The intent is to develop a list of destinations to encourage people to leave early, especially those who “have nowhere to go and don’t know anyone”.
Development began in earnest in January, with the collection of possible day destinations as well as support for animals and overnight accommodation resources. Known as The Go List, Community and Neighbourhood Houses are included and are handy destinations during the week. Some Houses may elect to support their neighbouring communities at risk by garnering local support within their membership or even openning their facilities for longer hours. The ANHLC networks played an invaluable role in supporting bushfire affected communities in 2009 and DHS recognises that this presents a unique opportunity to expand DHS’s relationship with the Community House sector through this important community support project.
Other resources that have been included on the list are caravan parks, accommodation properties, public and private facilities. Organisations that will link to the list include members of the Australian Veterinary Association, RSPCA, DPI (Department of Primary Industries) and the Australian Horse Association to date.
Support for the project includes CFA, local MPs, DHS, VMIA, Cardinia Shire (where ECH is located), Community Houses of Cardinia Shire and ABC 774. The Go List idea was floated to SA’s CAHN (Community and Neighbourhood Houses) in November and last week Adelaide City Council announced that they were considering a destination list for their communities. Nance Huxton of ABC Adelaide is assisting ECH with contact between Adelaide Council and ECH to further assist them on their project.
Recent promotion on Jon Faine’s ABC774 radio show of the Go List on 4/2/10 has resulted in a remarkable response from the community at large such as these moving examples:
“Dear Mary,
I heard you speaking on 774 this morning about the go list. Fantastic initiative and, as I'm sure will be case with many others, I would like to volunteer. I have good computer/database skills and internet connection and could volunteer some time if you need further pairs of hands to help with the practical side of setting up this list. Although hoping that that part is all that is ever needed, I live in Coburg and have a spare room for people to stay and could take 1-2 dogs short or longer term.
All best wishes,
Julie”
Or...
“Hello
I was listening to the ABC on the radio this morning, and understand that you are setting up a database of people who can offer assistance to people and their animals when there is a high fire risk day.
This is such a wonderful thing you are doing!
We live in Hawthorn, and have a spare bedroom we would be happy for someone to use.
We are also very happy to assist with space for animals such as a dog, as we have a large garden and our own dog. Unforunately we can't take cats.
Thank you again for your terrific contribution to Victoria's community.
Regards
Trina”
The Go List metro pilot should be completed by the end of Feb and will go on line in March. All community Houses in the high risk fire areas around Melbourne should have a link to the list as well as have paper copies available at their Houses or Centres for pick up. Not everyone has the internet. Development and rollout of a statewide Go List will be underway to support the regional high risk areas for 2011. Any House or Centre interested in expanding their support beyond their open hours are encourage to reply to emhouse@netspace.net.au.
This is an opportunity for Community and Neighbourhood Houses to promote community wellbeing for both those who give to the list and those who need help. Further, it is a chance for us to illustrate for DHS just what value we bring to the Victorian community. Lives will be saved if people have a destination and the benefits of that are immeasurable.
Listen to the John Faine Broadcast on ABC774.
- Mary Farrow, Coordinator Emerald Community House