Emergency Management Preparedness Project

seth@bower-bird.com.au (Seth Khouri) — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 04:14:39 GMT

Overview

The Emergency Management Preparedness Project strengthens the role of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) in the Loddon Mallee in all phases of emergency management — from planning and preparedness to response and recovery.

Led by LMARG and funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, the project addresses both operational readiness and cultural safety in emergencies.

Why it’s needed

Aboriginal communities in the Loddon Mallee face unique challenges during emergencies, including cultural barriers to accessing relief and recovery services.
Representation in emergency planning committees has been inconsistent, limiting Aboriginal voices in decision-making.
Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of emergencies such as floods, heatwaves, and bushfires.
Cybersecurity risks threaten community data sovereignty.

Key Actions

Representation in decision-making

Formal ACCO and Traditional Owner participation in Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committees (MEMPCs) and regional groups.

Cultural safety in recovery

Ensuring relief centres and recovery programs are welcoming, culturally safe, and responsive to community needs.

Training & capability building

Providing Emergency Management Liaison Officer (EMLO) training to ACCO staff to strengthen collaboration in planning and response.

Internal preparedness

Developing standardised business continuity and emergency plans for ACCOs.

Cybersecurity & IT upgrades

Strengthening organisational IT security to meet the “Essential 8” standards and protect community data.

Partnerships for resilience

Working with Traditional Owners to protect cultural assets during emergencies.

Outcomes

Stronger regional collaboration between ACCOs, government agencies, and local councils.
Improved capacity to lead culturally responsive recovery efforts.
Enhanced organisational readiness through consistent training, policies, and secure IT systems.
A roadmap for long-term, community-led emergency resilience.

Fluoride Varnish Project

seth@bower-bird.com.au (Seth Khouri) — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 03:53:06 GMT

Overview

The Fluoride Varnish (FV) Project is a groundbreaking health initiative that led to changes in Victorian legislation, enabling Aboriginal Health Practitioners (AHPs) to obtain, possess, and administer FV as part of their routine health services in ACCOs.

This community-led change addresses significant oral health disparities in Aboriginal children.

Why it’s needed

Aboriginal children in Victoria experience tooth decay at 1.5–2.5 times the rate of the general population.
Limited access to dental services, high costs, and low cultural safety have reduced preventive care uptake.
FV is a proven, cost-effective prevention method but was previously restricted to dental practitioners.

Key Actions

Policy advocacy & reform

LMARG led a multi-year advocacy campaign, supported by research and consultation, resulting in the 2022 amendment to the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations.

Workforce empowerment

Authorising AHPs to deliver FV within ACCOs, removing dependence on external dental services.

Integrated care

Embedding FV into regular health checks, early childhood services, and schools.

Training & sustainability

Developing training programs and referral pathways to public dental clinics when needed.

Cultural safety in delivery

Ensuring FV applications happen in familiar, trusted community settings.

Outcomes

Increased access to preventive oral health care for Aboriginal children.
Reduced logistical and cultural barriers to service delivery.
Strengthened Aboriginal health workforce capacity.
A scalable model for culturally safe oral health promotion that could be adopted nationally.

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Emergency Management Preparedness Project

Overview

Why it’s needed

Key Actions

Outcomes

Fluoride Varnish Project

Overview

Why it’s needed

Key Actions

Outcomes