The Northern Rivers Community Carers and Responders (CCR) Network
Apply to become a CCR.
Increased capacity for on-the-ground community support in times of disaster and crisis.
INTRODUCING
The Northern Rivers Community Carers & Responders (CCRs) Network
The CCR network supports greater crisis prevention, preparedness, response and recovery at the community level. It does so by setting up a network of 300+ volunteer CCRs across six shires, who form a trained and connected network of leaders dedicated to community cohesion and resilience.
CCRs receive 5 days of free training, which include self-care, disaster resilience, community building, emergency communications as well as food, water, and energy security, but also complete a day of first aid and a day of psychological first aid. Upon graduation, participants receive a CCR cap, t-shirt and solid first-aid kit, and are then mentored to lead a project that builds the resilience of their own community, and are regularly invited to additional workshops, community events, and field visits to deepen their knowledge but also connections with each other.
The CCR model, in which local councils and emergency services are flexibly integrated to ensure a ‘whole-of-community’ approach, is transposable to other parts of Australia, urban or rural.
This project is hosted by Plan C (a charity incorporated with the ACNC) and receives funding from the Australian Government and the New South Wales Government via the Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund, the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, as well as Healthy North Coast. Its stakeholders include emergency agencies, local councils, local media outlets, community organisations, and neighbourhood groups across the Northern Rivers.
As a Community Carer and Responder, you will be supported with:
● Dedicated training in disaster resilience and community building.
● Training in first aid & psychological first aid.
● Mentoring to successfully implement a project that builds the resilience of your community.
● Access to disaster agencies, community organisations and local council (CCRs as a “community conduit”).
● Ideas, inspiration and social connection through a Northern Rivers CCR network.
● Continuous opportunities to learn and connect with like-minded Northern Rivers residents, including through private field visits, community events and webinars.
PROJECT BENEFITS
Improving our disaster resilience.
● Increased preparedness for future disasters and crises.
● Increased capacity for on-the-ground care in times of disaster and crisis.
● Better connected local communities, who are informed and prepared for disasters, leading to improved resilience, well-being and confidence.
● Improved coordination and info-sharing with local councils, emergency agencies & community organisations.
● Role-modelling the value of our community in improving disaster resilience in the Northern Rivers and beyond.
WHO IS INVOLVED?
300+ local citizens - neighbourhood activators and community leaders form the CCR network
Plan C - resilience training & project coordination
Local provider - first aid training
Key Stakeholders - emergency agencies (RFS, FRNSW, SES, Police), community organisations, local councils, local media
NSW Reconstruction Authority, NSW Department of Communities and Justice, Healthy North Coast - project funding + strategic input
WHERE WILL THIS HAPPEN?
Northern Rivers LGAs (local government areas): Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed
KEY PROJECT COMPONENTS
CCR Training - specialised training modules delivered in person.
CCR Mentoring - CCRS receive personalised support to successfully implement a project that builds the resilience of their own community.
CCR Gatherings - beyond the completion of the training, CCRs are regularly invited to attend field visits and community events to connect and learn further.
CCR Online Network - sharing ideas and inspiration among CCRs via online information and discussion groups.
CCR Equipment - CCRs receive a first aid kit, a CCR cap and a CCR t-shirt.
CCR Register - list of CCR contact details, for agencies, councils and community organisations.
PROJECT ROLL-OUT
2021 - 2022 - Pilot project
2022 -2023 - Project extension
Throughout - Train, support and connect the CCRs, Evaluate the progress and impact of the project
Mid-2023 - Seeking funding to expand further
2024 - Expansion
CCR TRAINING DATES
*Please note participants are required to attend ALL 3 rounds of training to become a CCR.
* Participants can attend any of the locations based on the dates that fit you best.
We encourage you to register your interest if you wish to be informed of future opportunities to join the CCR network.
The next training and location dates will be listed here once they are confirmed.
Additionally, a First Aid training (8 hours) and a Psychological First Aid trainings are also scheduled in coordination with participants. These will be available to those who complete the CCR training.
Any questions?
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions!
“You never change things by fighting the existing reality.
To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”
Buckminster Fuller
We would like to acknowledge the people of Bundjalung Nation who are the Traditional Custodians of this land which we live, work, and stand on.
We acknowledge their continuing living culture, connection to land, waters and community; and their request of all people to help look after and respect country.
We acknowledge and extend our respect to Elders both past and present and upcoming future leaders.
Keep in touch.
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Carly | CCR project coordinator
The Community Resilience Mentoring Program is funded by Healthy North Coast through the North Coast PHN Program