Community Carers and Responders

23/07/2024

We are closing this account and we invite you to follow Plan C, where we will continue to share about the CCR journey. We've got some exciting news coming up soon!

15/02/2024

Hey everyone,

We are very pleased to say that Plan C is looking for a motivated and experienced person to take on the role of Programme Director. The Programme Director will play a critical role in launching and overseeing Plan C’s key initiatives, including the Young Community Carer and Responder project and the Rising Together series. This role requires a leader with strong experience in programme development and management, team building, as well as community and stakeholder engagement.

The role is currently offered as a 6 months part-time contract (3 days a week), with great flexibility as to where and when to work but with the possibility of becoming permanent full-time pending funding.

Please apply through the link below if you are interested, or share this with a friend of yours who might be. 😊

Thank you

Plan C is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to lead our programmes. The Programme Director will play a critical role in overseeing Plan C’s key initiatives, and develop the team.

08/11/2023

🎓Congratulations to another committed group of CCR Graduates from Lismore! 🎉🌟

Thank you for stepping up in your communities 🙏.

17/10/2023

LAST UPDATED: 17/10/2023 at 4.46 pm

Hello everyone,

We're all aware of the bushfire unfolding in Tyagarah, Byron Shire, not to mention additional bushfires throughout the Northern Rivers. The recent weather — the heat, dry conditions, and strong winds — suggests that we might be facing bushfires and grassfires for some time. With the bushfire season now upon us, we believe it's essential to revisit some key points:

1) In terms of bushfire readiness, the central principle is 'prepare to defend your property/community or plan to evacuate early.' Should you decide to protect your property, it's crucial to have a detailed plan, be aware of the risks, possess the necessary personal protective and firefighting equipment, and have an alternative strategy. If early departure is your choice, plan the specifics — when you'll leave, your destination, travel route, essentials to take along, people to notify, and an alternative strategy. In every scenario, it’s beneficial to tidy and maintain your property (and help neighbours with theirs), including tasks like trimming branches, mowing lawns, removing flammable materials, clearing debris, ensuring durable hoses, and more, along with replenishing all water supplies. For more guidance, you can visit: https://www.abc.net.au/.../what-to-do-if-there.../102236834 and https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare.

2) During heatwaves, remember to stay cool (using fans, passive cooling, shade, AC, etc.) and keep hydrated.

3) Regarding smoke, it's best to stay indoors whenever feasible, keeping windows and doors shut. Consider spending time in air-conditioned places like malls or cinemas, using air purifiers, avoiding heavy exertion, and wearing masks capable of filtering smoke particles (N95 or P100 respirators). More information on masks is available here: https://www.unsw.edu.au/.../how-to-protect-yourself.... If conditions worsen, it might be wise to relocate temporarily.

4) In the event of a power outage, be prepared with power banks, stations, or a generator (including fuel and spare parts), and if possible, solar panels with batteries. Also, have on-hand devices that don’t require electricity, like a gas stove, self-powered radios, lamps, candles, or a camping fridge.

5) If communication channels go down, keep informed through news sources (ABC North Coast on 94.5 FM, 720 AM Murwillumbah, and 738 AM Grafton) and check the Hazards Near Me app and the Hotspots website (https://hotspots.dea.ga.gov.au/) as well as your local councils’ Emergency Dashboards. Check and activate your UHF/HF radio networks in your community. Actively share accurate information within your circles, citing the source and the last update time to avoid the spread of misinformation.

Additionally, this is a perfect moment to reassess your resources. For the foreseeable future, ensure you have sufficient water, food, and power to handle potential disruptions. Keep devices like phones, power banks, and radios fully charged, maintain a full fuel tank in your vehicle, and make sure water reserves are complete.

Crucially, reach out and nurture connections with your neighbors, family, and friends to promote a supportive and caring environment. These times are challenging, so let's extend kindness and patience to one another — we all need it.

We invite you to join our 'Plan C – Our Plan is the Community' group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/ourplanc) if you want to stay updated, share pertinent information, offer assistance, or seek help.

Our strength lies in our community ❤️.

PS: share this post with your network if you have found it useful.

13/10/2023

Being part of the CCR program has given participants a sense of belonging to a wider network of community builders. A community of community builders!

The strength of our community is the most significant factor in how well we recover after a disaster. At Plan C, we know this. Join our free 5-day CCR training and learn how you can join us in this important work: https://www.ccrnetwork.org/apply

11/10/2023

Join us! We can't wait to meet you! https://www.ccrnetwork.org/apply

05/10/2023

can you write an instagram post about a community building idea of running a neighbourhood working bee? It could be about collecting rubbish together, beautifying your neighbourhood, giving some community buildings a fresh coat of paint, doing some weeding or tree planting. It's about showing your neighbourhood some love by participating in a neighbourhood working bee, clean up or improvement project, together. This is a fun and active way to spend a weekend off, meet new people, and help your neighbourhood looks its best.

03/10/2023

Amidst the warmth and dryness that's already here, it might be wise to think about the possibility of an El Niño summer. While we're still navigating the aftermath of past events of droughts, fires, and floods, it can feel overwhelming to shift our attention to getting ready for potentially warmer years ahead. But let's take it step by step, acknowledging the difficulties we've faced. We can come together to create a space of support, offer practical help for property preparations, and reach out whenever we need a hand.

Our transformative Community Carer and Responder (CCR) training in Tweed will help you do just that! 🌟

By becoming a CCR, you'll be part of a network that actively prevents, prepares for, responds to, and recovers from crises within our community. Together, we are a resilient network of over 300 volunteer leaders dedicated to fostering community cohesion and resilience.

Now that's worth being part of!

During the 3-day training, you'll dive deep into various aspects that empower you to make a difference. From self-care and disaster resilience to community building and emergency communications, we'll equip you with essential skills and knowledge. You'll also explore topics like food, water, and energy security. Another 2 days of training will be in first aid and psychological first aid.

Ready to join? Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a community that cares and takes action.

Apply now: https://www.ccrnetwork.org/apply

(Note: we have other dates and locations - you can mix and match!)

01/10/2023

Communication is key in times of crisis, but what do you do when traditional methods fail? Our CCR program has got you covered as we explore various technologies, such as satellite phones, Personal Locator Beacons, and CB radios, that can keep you connected when phone and internet lines go down. We then test different radio systems available in Australia, including our trusty UHF radios from , and learn how to pass on information in a credible and reliable manner. It's an exciting and informative module that highlights the importance of emergency communications.

So many participants feedback how empowered they feel from the CCR training. They get hands on experience, grow their confidence and feel inspired to act!

If you'd like to join, this may be your last chance. We have dates scheduled until the end of the year, but after that it'll depend on funding. Apply here: https://www.ccrnetwork.org/apply

29/09/2023

🌻 Community Building: Reviving a Lost Art 🌻

In a world that's ever more connected digitally, let's not forget the beauty of real-life connections in our own neighbourhoods! 🏡🌿

At Plan C, we're on a mission to help you rediscover the joy of community building. 🤝✨ We believe that strong communities are the heart of resilience, and that's why it's such an important area in our Community Carers and Responders training.

From crafting disaster and crisis plans that ensure everyone's safety to bolstering your food security and taking care of the vulnerable members of your community, this topic aims to revive the lost art of community connection. 🌎🌱

Making our neighbourhoods vibrant hubs of support and care ensures that in times of need (and in the everyday) the community is a powerful, supportive force. 💪❤️