Kempsey Communities Funded To Lead Resilience Planning
Filling vacant retail spaces, giving young people a voice and improving access in emergencies are just some of the issues that will be considered as part of a new community led resilience building program in Kempsey.
Three local community groups representing Stuarts Point, Macleay Youth and Kempsey CBD businesses received seed funding today as part of the Resilience Canopy program, aimed at supporting community leaders to explore their most pressing challenges and develop locally led solutions.
The Resilience Canopy is a registered charity on a mission to empower communities across Australia with the right skills, connections, resources and support, to withstand and thrive beyond disruptions like natural hazards and societal stressors.
A unique partnership between the Resilience Canopy, Essential Energy and Kempsey Shire Council means around 15 locals have completed the purpose designed practitioner training. Kempsey is the first Local Government Area in NSW to have a dedicated resource available to support community members to implement the engagement process they have learned.
Tara Howard, Committee member of the Macleay Valley Business Chamber who recently trained as a Resilience Canopy practitioner explains how the program will help support CBD businesses.
“Having completed the training in November I’m thrilled to have received a Resilience Canopy Activation Grant. Over the next six to twelve months we will work with business operators across the Kempsey CBD to understand the impact of issues like online competition and antisocial behaviour in our shopping spaces and develop a plan for building a more resilient CBD,” said Tara.
Communities worldwide face mounting pressures from climate change and evolving societal challenges. These stresses, from shifting economic patterns and social dynamics to environmental impacts, are reshaping how communities live, work, and thrive explains Brett Ellis, Managing Director of the Resilience Canopy.
“We are excited to support these three groups become Canopy Communities and lead a local approach to resilience planning.
“Kempsey has faced its fair share of challenges, and these groups are focusing on the issues that matter to them most, hoping to make a long term and sustainable difference in their communities through this program,” said Mr Ellis.
The initial $25,000 activation grants are provided by Essential Energy as part of their commitment to helping regional communities create sustainable futures beyond just reliable and affordable power supplies.
Essential Energy’s Head of Sustainability, Sophie Cruickshank said the organisation is proud to join with Kempsey Shire Council and The Resilience Canopy on this project that aims to strengthen and empower local initiatives.
“These grants are designed to foster long-term sustainability, ensuring that communities are better equipped to overcome challenges and build a brighter future.
“Essential Energy has first-hand experience and a long history of helping communities before, during and after extreme weather events. We have a role to play in helping our regional communities to be more resilient and we know this is a priority for many of our communities. This program will help us learn from our communities on what matters to them,” said Mc Cruickshank.
The three groups successful in securing Round 1 Activation Grants are:
The groups will work with targeted stakeholders and contacts to compile data and background research before creating events and workshops to generate community feedback and ideas.
https://www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/Your-Council/Council-news-public-notices/Council-news-updates/Kempsey-communities-funded-to-lead-resilience-planning