The Territory Labor Government has released the Territory’s first Bushfires NT Volunteer Strategy 2019-2022.

It will support the creation of a more sustainable volunteer program that provides a higher quality of service to Territorians.

The Strategy seeks to develop and enhance volunteer programs, align goals and provide future direction for both Bushfires NT and volunteer bushfire brigades.

To do this, six priority areas have been identified:

• Improve the capacity of volunteers by developing supportive systems and processes;
• Create communication pathways to ensure transparency and understanding;
• Raise the profile of Bushfires NT by building community support;
• Strengthen relationships by fostering productive partnerships;
• Drive change by identifying emerging trends and opportunities; and
• Continue to improve through monitoring and evaluation

By collaborating further with volunteers and the community, Bushfires NT can ensure a more flexible approach to volunteer coordination leading to a more engaged and resilient community.

The Strategy was created in consultation with volunteers and the community and outlines the expected start and completion dates for each action.

For more information on the Bushfires NT Volunteer Strategy, go to https://nt.gov.au/bushfiresNT/volunteerstrategy

The Bushfire NT Volunteer Strategy 2019-2022, was funded by the Northern Territory and Australian Government through the Natural Disaster Resilience Program.

To become a Bushfire NT volunteer visit https://nt.gov.au/emergency/cyclones/volunteering-cyclones,-fire-and-disasters/volunteer-with-bushfires-nt

Quotes from the Minister for Environment and Natural Resources, Eva Lawler:

“Our volunteers and Bushfires NT Staff do an amazing job keeping our community safe.

“The new Strategy is all about attracting, supporting and retaining more volunteers by providing better training and more support - this will result in a higher quality of service for our community.

“Our volunteers wanted more guidance and support; we have listened, and provided a long-term strategy, which will help our current volunteers and pave the way for new recruits.”