Rural and regional communities face unique risks—bushfires, floods, storms, droughts. When emergencies strike, being prepared can mean protecting lives, livelihoods, and long‑term wellbeing.
That’s why our award winning one‑day, six‑step CEMP workshop empowers communities to build their own tailored, emergency management plans so they can be ready for anything that comes their way, created with locals, based on what works on the ground.
- In September 2025 our Community Emergency Management Planning (CEMP) program was awarded the Resilient Australia Business Award for Victoria.
- In November 2025 our Community Emergency Management Planning (CEMP) program was awarded the National Resilient Australian Business Award for Australia.
This recognition highlights the program’s success in strengthening resilience within regional and rural communities, helping them prepare, respond, and recover from disasters. To date, CEMP has been delivered in more than 17 communities across Victoria — some with populations as small as 89 people.
Why this program matters:
- 🔧 Community‑built, not off‑the‑shelf Each plan is developed with locals, using local knowledge, risks, and strengths making it practical, relevant, and truly owned by the community.
- 🌿 Expert‑led, trauma‑informed delivery Our workshops are guided by award-winning emergency practitioners with real frontline experience. Sessions are supportive, inclusive, and grounded in lived knowledge.
- 📍 True equity in small places We’ve worked with communities of fewer than 100 people, no place is too small to plan, prepare, and protect.
- 🤝 Building social capital We strengthen relationships and trust within communities, fostering a unified, community-led approach to disaster resilience and recovery.
- 🎯 Addressing what matters most Workshops help identify and act on your community’s unique strengths and vulnerabilities — from power outages to isolation and access to services.
- 💰 A tool to advocate for funding Completed CEMPs help unlock funding opportunities and support applications by clearly showing local needs, actions, and priorities.
- 🤗 Foster collaboration By involving everyone — from local volunteers to community groups and agencies — we build a stronger, more inclusive network for future emergencies.
- 💪 Boost whole-of-community resilience We go beyond logistics to include mental, emotional, and social preparedness building lasting confidence before, during, and after disaster.
- 🛠️ Hands-on, real-world learning Our interactive workshops are practical and engaging using real scenarios, strategic planning, and localised risk assessment.
- ⚠️ Raise risk awareness and reduce impact We identify clear mitigation activities that reduce harm to people, properties, and the local environment — turning awareness into action.
What your community walks away with:
- A fully completed Community Emergency Management Plan, designed and formatted by The Six C’s using local photographs and the insights gathered during the one‑day workshop.
- A live editable Canva link, where you can update the plan and track your progress on objectives—without any extra work from your team.
- A plan that’s ready to use immediately, with clear objectives
How the workshop works (our 6 steps in one day):
- Community-led Risk Discovery
- Building on Combined Strengths
- Defining Your Mission & Objectives
- Setting Timeframes
- Identifying Partners & Collaborators
- Share & Review
Outcomes you can expect:
- A useable, actionable plan in just one day
- Stronger relationships and connections within your community
- Local leaders equipped and confident to achieve the actions outlined in the plan
- A sense of shared ownership and resilience
- A digital living document that grows with your local capacity
Our 6 step program
Our experienced facilitators will guide you through 6 steps delivered over 1 day using a supportive and knowledgeable trauma informed approach to enable your community to create a robust and effective community emergency management plan that meets the unique needs of your community.
Click here to read our Community Emergency Management Planning brochure.
Success
We have worked or are working with communities from Ararat Rural City Council, Moira Shire Council, Greater Shepparton City Council, Buloke Shire Council and Horsham Rural City Council.
Community Voices
Bunbartha
In 2022, Bunbartha and surrounding districts faced the devastating impact of the Victorian floods. But this community is strong, and together, we’re taking action!
We’ve been working side by side with the Bunbartha community to develop a Community Emergency Management Plan—a plan designed by the community, for the community—to ensure we’re better prepared for whatever comes next.
This is more than just a plan—it’s about empowerment, preparedness, and resilience.
Testimonials
“Mat and Sue from The Six C’s were instrumental in guiding our most flood impacted communities to develop their Community Emergency Management Plans. They didn’t just tell us what to do; they actively listened to our communities’ concerns, incorporated local knowledge, and facilitated workshops that genuinely empowered residents, were light-hearted and fun!
Their expertise ensured our Community Emergency Management Plans were not only comprehensive and robust but also practical and easily understood by everyone. I’d gladly recommend The Six C’s to any community looking to build resilient and community-led emergency preparedness plans and strategies.”
Belinda, Manager, Emergency Management & Resilience
Greater Shepparton City Council
“Our community appreciates the work you and Mat have done to give us more confidence for future emergencies!”
Rosie, Moyston Resident
“Thank you again for a great document.
Each person that I have spoken to has said how good it is, the format is great and also said that you and Mat were great facilitators. This, I fully agree with.”
Kerri, Culgoa Resident
Stronger Together
Disasters are inevitable, but community-driven emergency planning ensures that communities don’t face them alone. By working together before a disaster hits, communities can protect their people, properties, and future livelihoods. We are there to support and empower communities in taking that step—because in times of disaster, a united community is the strongest resource of all.
The Six C's 