Councils play a critical role in Victoria’s emergency management arrangements. As we hold intricate local knowledge, we facilitate and coordinate emergency management planning at a local level and are responsible for coordinating relief and recovery support for affected communities. We also have a long-established role in providing support to response agencies.
Using our strong community connections, we can identify many of the opportunities available to enhance resilience, and relief and recovery outcomes, through a community-first lens.
Council staff act in various roles, to set-up and work in relief centres and support other agencies. They go where they are needed and at times may assist in LGAs outside those in which they work.
To help prepare our staff to take on emergency management roles, the City of Greater Dandenong provides comprehensive training. An ‘Introduction to Emergency Management for Councils’ session will be held this Thursday 7 August, 10am - 1pm at Supper Room, Springvale City Hall.
To register go to: Pulse Booking - Emergency Management
The City of Greater Dandenong Council has a rich history in helping during state-wide emergencies. The Source chatted with four staff who told us about their experiences assisting our community or being deployed to another LGA during emergency situations.
Paul Winnell, Digital Technology
Q. What prompted you to join in Emergency Management activity?
I have over the last 30 years enjoyed being a surf lifesaving volunteer and prior to council worked at a triple zero Victoria, so I enjoy being a part of the community as a volunteer as well as working for the community professionally.
Q. What emergency did you attend?
I provided assistance after a vehicle ram raid at strip shops in central Springvale resulted in a fire setting. I helped evacuate around 30 residents to safety.
Over a two-day period, I communicated with residents about the fire and advised them when they could return to their homes.
Q. How important is training for emergency management roles?
Training is very important. Understanding council’s legislative role and responsibilities within the emergency management network is vital in liaising both with internal council officers and external emergency service organisations and agencies.
Q. How did you feel when taking part in the emergency?
Being able to provide support to residents impacted by any situation is very rewarding. It also broadens my perspective on how council supports the community outside of our normal service delivery.
Q. Are you continuing your participation this year?
Yes, because I really enjoy being part of the emergency management team and supporting the community that I also work for.
Lisa Gnocato, Strategic Growth and Advocacy
Q. What prompted you to join in Emergency Management activity?
I responded to an Expression of Interest posted on the Source. It felt like a meaningful opportunity to contribute to our community, especially during times of crisis. I was drawn to the idea of being able to offer practical support and compassion when people need it most.
Q. What emergency did you attend?
I responded to a house fire in which a family was displaced.
Without having to attend the site, my role, as Deputy Municipal Recovery Manager (MRM), involved contacting the family to assess their immediate needs, including emergency accommodation and financial assistance. We were able to connect them with the Salvation Army, who provided essential support to help them through the initial aftermath.
Q. How important is training for these roles?
Training is absolutely vital. It equips us with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively and empathetically during emergencies. It also deepens our understanding of the challenges faced by our community and strengthens our ability to collaborate with other emergency management professionals. Training sessions are also a great opportunity to build relationships and share insights across teams.
Q. How did you feel when taking part in the emergency?
With the guidance of the MRM (as this was my first time as deputy MRM), I felt supported and capable in assisting the affected family. And it was also a valuable experience in being able to provide help during such a difficult time and reinforced the importance of being prepared and responsive in these roles.
Q. Are you continuing your participation this year?
Yes, because I genuinely enjoy being part of a team that works together to support our community. It’s rewarding to know that our efforts can make a real difference in people’s lives during times of need.
James Mitchell, Strategic and Environmental Planning
Q. What prompted you to join in Emergency Management activity?
A desire to help my community and support those who either cannot help themselves or are having the worst day of their life. Furthermore, as an environmental professional and SES volunteer, it is apparent that the severity and frequency of emergencies is increasing and a direct result of climate change.
Q. What emergency did you attend?
As a member of CGD’s emergency management team I have participated in a deployment to a relief centre at the request of Cardinia Shire Council after the storms of February 2024. This was to provide support to the Cardinia Emergency Management team who were operating 24/7 for at least 4 days at that point.
Q. What was your role?
My role was to provide concierge services to residents and assist in updating community information. With telecommunications and power out for most of the week after the disaster occurred, the relief centre was a reliable source of community information. I also assisted with the pack down of the relief centre (a football club room).
Q. How important is training for these roles?
Training in Emergency Management is critical if you are to perform your assigned function. There are many roles in Emergency Management, from dedicated officers in an emergency management team, people setting up in an incident control centre, right down to support staff who help by making cups of tea and coffee or chat with an impacted resident. There are defined roles that require training. This is to ensure safe and efficient support can be given to those who need it without the operation faltering.
Q. How did you feel when taking part in the emergency?
It’s never a situation you like to see but unfortunately emergencies happen, and, in many cases, you don’t know when they will. There is a determination to help and a system that guides you as per your assigned role. Having a well-trained and professional team, such as Greater Dandenong’s Emergency Management team, makes executing your role a lot easier.
Q. Are you continuing your participation this year?
As Council’s new Senior Climate Change Action Officer, my role will be critical in increasing the community’s strategic resilience to a changing climate. Furthermore, emergency management is a great way to build additional skills outside of your existing job. I highly encourage participating.
Susan Cockbill, Building and Compliance
Q. What prompted you to join in Emergency Management activity?
I was fortunate in my role as an Environmental Health Officer to work closely with the Emergency Management Team during COVID supporting the CGD community and local businesses – this work was really rewarding. An added benefit was meeting staff from different areas across our organisation and working closely with many different organisations. You are always learning so much.
This prompted me to join the broader emergency management team, and I have participated in several emergency management activities.
Q. What emergency did you attend?
Recently, I helped out at an Emergency Relief Centre that was set up in Emerald for the residents of Cardinia Shire Council. There were severe storms and residents had no power for a long time. There was also significant damage to homes, businesses and community infrastructure.
I was on the front desk, greeting people as they arrived at the centre, helping them to register and pointing them toward the services they needed.
Q. How important is training for these roles?
Super important. It helps you stay calm and know what to do when things get hectic. You learn how the whole system works, what your role is, and how to work with others. Plus, it really helps you support people with care and professionalism when they’re going through a tough time.
Q. How did you feel when taking part in the emergency?
It felt good to be helping out - I attended with two other staff from CGD James and Judy and we were well prepared for the day and knew what our roles would be. It was also good to meet staff from Cardinia Council and understand what challenges they were facing and how hard they had been working to support their community – they were worn out, exhausted and very appreciative to receive support from us.
Q. Are you continuing your participation this year?
Absolutely. I really enjoyed helping out at Emerald — the residents were so grateful, and it felt good to be able to support them. I’m keen to keep building my skills and encourage others to get involved too.