WANGARATTA residents are being called upon to contribute to their community’s safety and resilience. The Rural City of Wangaratta Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee (MEMPC) is seeking expressions of interest from up to two community members to join the committee for a two-year term. Applications close at 5pm on Monday, 1 July. The committee is looking for proactive individuals passionate about advocating and promoting shared responsibility for building safer and more resilient communities. Ideal candidates will have experience in community engagement and involvement, knowledge of broader emergency management issues within the municipality, and the ability to access networks and stakeholder groups within the community. Experience facilitating or leading community-based committees is also highly desirable. Deputy Mayor Harvey Benton emphasised the crucial role the community plays in emergency preparedness and resilience. “Our community plays a vital role in emergency preparedness and resilience,” Mr Benton said. “By joining the Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee, residents have a unique opportunity to contribute their knowledge, experience, and passion to help shape how we respond to and recover from emergencies. "I encourage anyone with a strong community spirit and a desire to make a difference to put their hand up and apply.” Successful applicants will contribute to mitigating, planning for, and responding to emergencies. They will also play a key role in maintaining the Municipal Emergency Management Plan, which outlines local emergency Response, Relief and Recovery arrangements. The MEMPC comprises representatives from various organisations, including the emergency services, Victoria Police, CFA, Council, Australian Red Cross, Department of Health, North East Water, Department of Families, Fairness & Housing, Emergency Recovery Victoria, and the Department of Agriculture. Expressions of interest can be submitted online at https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/MEMP, emailed to council@wangaratta.vic.gov.au, or posted to Wangaratta MEMPC chair, Rural City of Wangaratta, PO Box 238, Wangaratta.
