The Ready2Go disaster resilience program partners trained volunteers with those who might find themselves in trouble in cases of extreme weather, such as elderly people or those with a disability.

The initiative is run by Emerald-based organisation Echo Youth and Family Services, but communities across Victoria are invited to apply after funding was provided to expand it to 10 more communities over the next two years.

Echo’s emergency service program co-ordinator, Wayne Collins, said prospective recipients of the initiative would be assessed for readiness for the program, but the organisation would help even those not ready to take on this specific program with preparing for extreme weather.

Under the program, volunteers check in on those more vulnerable, ensuring they are safe and well, and will help them relocate if necessary.

Their work includes ensuring people are keeping cool and well-hydrated in times of high heat, or that power is available during and after storms.

“It makes people feel they can stay in the community longer, knowing someone will look out for them,” Mr Collins said.

But he said that over time, not only did the volunteers help vulnerable people in extreme weather, but relationships developed and they assisted them in other ways.

As rural Victoria’s population continued to age, Mr Collins said, the program would become more important.

Ready2Go is jointly funded by Gandel Philanthropy and Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, through the Eldon and Anne Foote Trust. 

For more information, visit the Ready2Go program website, or contact Mr Collins on 0407 824 323 or at wayne.collins@echo.org.au.