Australian Rural and Regional News, 22 February 2023:
A new not-for-profit community organisation has been launched in Iluka with the mission of empowering and educating our community to proactively prepare for and effectively respond to emergencies, while fostering a strong sense of connectedness and resilience.
Iluka Community Organisation Planning for Emergencies ICOPE was formed in September 2022 by 15 Iluka residents concerned about the isolation Iluka had experienced during past fires and floods, particularly the 2022 floods.
ICOPE President Cheryl Dimmock said the organisation strives to create a safer and more prepared community through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions.
“Iluka RFS Secretary Tony Belton, who is also an ICOPE member, applied for and received a grant to equip an evacuation centre in Iluka and this was the real impetus that necessitated ICOPE,” she said.
“ICOPE is aware of the isolation experienced during fire and flood and are working to ensure that a suitable evacuation centre is established in the village.”
Mrs Dimmock said while disaster preparedness was central to ICOPE’s formation, the organisation also understands the importance of community connectedness.
“ICOPE is in the process of applying for grants to host a series of community parties throughout 2023 and 2024,” she said.
“However, due to the generosity of Resilient Clarence, ICOPE’s first community event which will be totally free to all that attend, will take place on April 1 at Club Iluka with a screening of Up Armidale Road.
“This international award-winning feature film documents the journey of a song that originates from the aftermath of the firestorm that decimated Nymboida in November 2019.”…..
“ICOPE will be firing up a fundraising BBQ from 5pm for a small charge and the Rotary Club of Iluka Woombah will be providing tea and coffee for a small cost at intermission,” she said.
“Everyone is welcome.”
Mrs Dimmock said ICOPE has also been working with the Red Cross to establish Community-led Resilience Teams (CRTs) in Iluka and we want everyone in Iluka to be a part of the CRT network.
“The CRT network will ensure that everyone in Iluka receives the same information during a disaster event,” she said.
“This will guarantee a coordinated approach during emergencies.
“ICOPE needs Iluka residents to join the CRT network and we also need street coordinators.”
Mrs Dimmock said ICOPE looks forward to welcoming everyone in Iluka, The Freshwater, Woody Head and Woombah to our community meetings.
Meetings take place on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at Iluka Community Hall at 10am and everyone is welcome, both members and non-members.
For more information about joining ICOPE and becoming part of the CRT network email icope2466@gmail.com.
