By Mikayla van Loon
Post the storms of 2021 communities in the most affected townships have been working to prepare and recover should another event occur.
Helping to improve this resilience is the AusNet Energy Resilience Community Fund which recently awarded $650,000 to 24 groups, including the Montrose Township Group.
Using the grant of $24,580, Township Group president Chelsey Cooper said the intention is to create a series of one-minute videos around the topic of energy resilience and preparedness in the case of a major power outage.
“We are well aware that extreme weather events and longer-term power outages are increasing and will continue to do so,” she said.
“We want locals to have embedded knowledge of the things they need to do to prepare for a potential power outage and the immediate things they can do after an event to take care of themselves and their neighbours, particularly those who may be more vulnerable.”
Ms Cooper said sharing this kind of information has been far more prevalent since the June 2021 storms, especially when the Township Group is aware of a potential storm event.
Engaging a production company called Moo Motion, whose co-founder is a Montrose local, Ms Cooper said will only bring a greater sense of synergy and understanding, especially with the videos featuring known Montrose people.
The topics covered in the short videos will include heat wave, storm, generator check-up/maintenance and one specifically about checking on each other and vulnerable neighbours.
“We’re going the entertaining route because we believe people will be more apt to tune in that way; humour has the potential to lessen fear and opens people up to listen and respond accordingly,” Ms Cooper said.
“The message about checking in on one another will be weaved throughout all films as well as the message about MAMAM, which stands for ‘Meet at Montrose at Midday’.”
This phrase relates to a procedure initiated by the Community Emergency Committee that should the town experience an outage that lasts for over 24 hours, a Township Group member will be at the noticeboard by the Bakery at midday to share relevant information and to collect relevant information to share with the council.
“These films will add to our preparedness and community strengthening activities,” Ms Cooper said.
“They will be tools to use at relevant times so people see them when it is most important for them to see them, they’ll be available on our website which is currently in development, and we will officially launch them with a special community screening event mid-next year so people can celebrate in the fun together.”
The production process will begin soon, with filming expected to be undertaken early next year and the launch to be held in May or June.
Ms Cooper said this project would not have been possible without the funding from AusNet.
“The grant gave us the funds to undertake this work, funding both the film production and the community event costs. We couldn’t have done this without the support of funding from AusNet.”
Applications for AusNet’s next round of Energy Resilience Grants and Energy Education and Literacy Grants open Wednesday 27 November. Up to $50,000 is available for Energy Resilience Grants, and up to $25,000 for Energy Education and Literacy Grants.
For further information visit ausnetservices.com.au/about-us/community/energy-resilience-community-fund
