THE Northeast Multicultural Association (NEMA) has received a grant of $220,000 to educate multicultural community members on Emergency Recovery preparedness before, during and after any emergency or natural disaster.

The aims of the project are to educate, equip and empower the CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) communities in four Local Government Areas (LGAs) including Mansfield, Wangaratta, Alpine and Indigo about emergencies and crisis events.

The outcomes of the project are:

– CALD communities are well prepared and equipped to cope with emergencies;

– Cultural Advocates (CAs) to be established to strategically maintain community connections and ensure ongoing vigilance of communities being prepared for emergency events.

An 'Emergency Plan' will be placed within each household to help families follow emergency procedures during an event; and

– Allow multicultural community members more connection with each other, and the wider community, to reduce isolation.

"It is vital for communities to be prepared in advance, know what to do during and to understand how to cope after events such as bushfire, floods, storm, earthquake, or any other natural disaster," said NEMA President, Ian Prentice.

"The project will focus on providing language specific (translated) materials to the multicultural community."

Training sessions will be provided in each of the LGAs with important input by the emergency services and will include mental health and crisis management training for the community.

In addition to the training, the gatherings will provide an opportunity for CALD community members to socialise and develop ongoing relationships with other members in their area.

The grant is funded jointly by the Victorian Government and Commonwealth Government under the Commonwealth–State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The first meeting for Mansfield is to be held on Saturday, June 17 at MACE 145 High Street and will run from 1pm to 3pm; refreshments will be provided. Register by June 15 to 0477 995306 or email nema@nema.org.au