The initiative was created in response to the 2022 floods, which caused widespread disruption to community sport across the region.
Many local clubs continue to face recovery challenges, highlighting the importance of being ready for future emergencies such as floods, fires or extreme weather events.
Thanks to funding from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, and with strong support from VICSES and the Benalla Bowls Club, Valley Sport delivered the Disaster Resilience Workshop on Monday, October 27.
The evening, hosted at the Benalla Bowls Club, saw VICSES share valuable community information about emergency preparedness and response.
Valley Sport project officer Nate Dedman led the resilience component, guiding clubs through establishing emergency resilience subcommittees, using risk assessments and asset registers to prepare facilities and maintaining operations during disasters.
Attendees represented football, soccer, golf, boxing and angling clubs, showing strong commitment to long-term sustainability.
Valley Sport project officer Lucy Marino also introduced participants to Level Up, Valley Sport’s free online child safe portal.
“Community sport plays such a vital role in recovery and connection after emergencies,” Mr Dedman said.
“By helping clubs plan ahead, we’re not only protecting their facilities and members, but also ensuring they can continue to bring people together when it matters most.”
Valley Sport will continue supporting clubs through a second workshop to develop tailored Disaster Resilience Toolkits and Plans, followed by one-on-one assistance during implementation.
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