AbSec recently held a successful Community Organisations Disaster Adaptation (CODA) engagement workshop on Yuin Nation at Club Narooma, bringing together 33 participants from across the Eurobodalla region.
The workshop welcomed a diverse group of attendees, including representatives from Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), community members, government agencies, emergency services and local organisations. Participants brought lived experience from the devastating 2019–2020 bushfires, creating a powerful and meaningful space for shared learning and reflection.
Honouring Experience and Creating Safe Space
The session was expertly facilitated by David Newell, whose lived experience of the South Coast bushfires, combined with his culturally respectful and inclusive approach, helped create a safe and engaging environment for all. His facilitation ensured that every voice was heard and valued throughout the day. We were also grateful for the strong support of our CODA Project collaborators – Deb, Amy and Von from the Eden Community Access Centre. Their involvement throughout the planning process and on the day was invaluable and contributed greatly to the workshop’s success.
Reflecting on the 2019–2020 Bushfires
The Eurobodalla region was heavily impacted during the 2019–2020 bushfires, with widespread destruction of homes, cultural sites and infrastructure. Communities experienced prolonged periods of uncertainty, evacuation and disruption, with many still navigating recovery years later. These experiences formed an important foundation for the workshop discussions, as participants shared firsthand accounts of what it was like on the ground – what worked, what didn’t, and what is needed moving forward.
A Day of Yarning, Learning and Insight
The workshop utilised a range of culturally appropriate engagement methods, including yarning circles, small group discussions and whole group reflections. This approach encouraged open and honest conversations, allowing participants to share their knowledge, experiences and ideas in a supportive environment. It was a powerful day of listening and learning. Community members spoke about the strength and resilience shown during the bushfires, the critical role of local networks and Aboriginal organisations, and the importance of culturally informed responses.
Importantly, participants also shared positive changes that have come from their experiences – particularly around preparedness, stronger community connections, and a clearer understanding of what is needed to respond and recover more effectively in future disasters.
Shaping the Future Together
The insights, feedback and knowledge shared during the workshop will directly inform the CODA Project moving forward. These findings will contribute to our milestone reporting, helping to shape advocacy, policy reform and improved disaster planning that better reflects the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Workshops like this should not be a one-off conversation, but seen as an opportunity for ongoing knowledge sharing and community engagement. AbSec is committed to ongoing engagement, ensuring communities remain informed, involved and central to any reform work.
Continuing the Conversation
These sessions are a vital part of strengthening disaster preparedness, response and recovery across our communities. Aboriginal voices, leadership and lived experience are essential in building systems that truly support community before, during and after disasters.
We thank everyone who attended and shared their stories so openly. Your voices are shaping stronger, more culturally informed outcomes for our communities.
