The Resilient Australia Awards recognise collaboration and innovative thinking which builds and contributes to safer and more resilient communities, as the vision for the sector.
At an online ceremony on 4 October 2021, Victoria’s Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp announced three winners and three highly commended awards from a total of 20 applications.
Winner: Photography Award (people’s choice)
‘Just Another Monday Night’ by Jacqueline Quaine.
The photo is available to be viewed on the AIDR Facebook page (External link).
Winner: Government Award
Resilient Rochester Project (External link) is a collaboration between the Rochester community, Campaspe Shire Council, Victoria State Emergency Service and North Central Catchment Management Authority.
This includes engaging local residents and volunteers to work together, use technology and develop their own solutions while being better positioned to make informed decisions now, and in the future.
Winner: Community Award
‘Journey of Hope’ by Save the Children (External link) is a comprehensive and targeted program which can assist the short, medium and long-term recovery and resilience of young people together with their families, friends, peers, teachers and community.
Highly Commended Community Awards
Resilience for Seniors in the Face of COVID-19
Resilience for Seniors in the Face of COVID-19 by University of the Third Age (U3A) (External link).
U3A quickly adapted to the pandemic crisis using an innovative approach and digital technology to connect older Victorians and ‘active aging seniors’ with families, friends and broader networks across generations.
Youth Project’s Coordinated Pandemic Response
Youth Project’s Coordinated Pandemic Response (External link)
Youth Project’s response demonstrated a teams' ability to rapidly respond, be organised, collaborate widely and pivot to support young homeless people to stay connected and survive.
AIC & HA (Australian Islamic Centre & Human Appeal)
AIC & HA (Australian Islamic Centre & Human Appeal) (External link)
This is an extraordinary example of community spirit and support driven by kind, generous and resourceful people, who drew on their strengths and overcame their fears to support their adopted Australian community. This story has been captured in a film called Fired Up which is soon to be released.
The department acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.