A new workshop series has been designed to create community resilience ahead of the predicted increase in drought events in the State’s South West.
Drought months in the region are expected to increase by up to 80% over the next 50 years, according to the South West Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub.
Research presented to community leaders at the first workshop highlighted the potential socio-economic impact on people living in the regions.
Centre for Social Impact UWA Research Lead, Dr Leanne Lester, said drought was not just about a lack of precipitation but a socio-economic phenomenon.
“The impact of long-term drought can be measured not only in loss of stock and depletion of resources, but also in deterioration of family relationships, loss of community networks, feelings of uncertainty for the future and feelings of being abandoned by the rest of Australia,” she said.
“Indirect economic factors which impact on social outcomes include hardship and stress over lost productivity, a declining population, disruption of social connections, loss of services to the local community and trauma associated with witnessing damage to livestock, crops, soil and native vegetation.”
Her 2022 UWA research report, Understanding the social impacts of drought, made seven recommendations for strengthening community social networks and social capital within regional communities, that underpin the formation of a community resilience network.
The aim of the groups will be to:
- Increase community access to suitable support services, especially early intervention tools that help to build individual and community resilience;
- Share resources and learnings to develop partnerships across the region;
- Develop plans to further build community resilience.
South West NRM Manager Sustainable Agriculture Peter Clifton said the aim of the network was to improve capability and collaboration between organisations and groups to reduce harm.
“We have partnered with CRCs throughout the region to assist with holding a series of six meetings between February and September 2024 for anyone interested in helping their community,” Mr Clifton said.
“The meetings will be held online and at CRCs in Boyup Brook, Bridgetown, Donnybrook, Brunswick, Harvey and Manjimup.”
The second workshop will be held on March 22, at 12pm, and features Sam Burgess, a farmer from Arthur River who has first-hand experience of being overwhelmed with stress and isolation, who now shares his story with others in the hope of encouraging people in rural communities to reach out for help when needed.