Rodney Stevens
An inspirational woman who has been instrumental in uniting a town and establishing a resilient community group who are prepared to tackle increasing severe natural disasters, Iluka Community Organisation Planning for Emergencies ICOPE President, Cheryl Dimmock has been named 2024 Clarence Valley Woman of the Year.
Ms Dimmock was presented the prestigious honour on Monday at the Iluka Community Hall in front of family, friends, and fellow ICOPE members by Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson.
She said the motivation to form the group came after ICOPE Vice-President, Tony Belton experienced being cut off for weeks when staying at Tuntable Creek near Lismore, and upon returning to Iluka he recognised something needed to be done to prepare the community for disasters, where they can be cut off for many days.
“From there, 15 of us who are good friends got together in 2022 and developed ICOPE,” she said.
Since ICOPE was established in 2022, the group has grown to more than 120 members, and it continues to grow by uniting people through its Field of Friends, Balanced Connections and other community events that have breathed a new lease of life into the town.
When accepting the award, an extremely humble Ms Dimmock acknowledged the work of others in establishing ICOPE.
“To receive such recognition amidst the backdrop of International Women’s Day is profoundly meaningful to me, not only to me, but to all the women who tirelessly contribute to the vibrancy and resilience of our community,” she said.
“This award is testament to the collective efforts of the ICOPE team, whose dedication and unwavering commitment have changed our community’s approach to disaster preparedness.”
ICOPE has done much more than ensure Iluka is prepared for disasters, it has strengthened the social fabric of the town.
“Together we envisage ICOPE not just as an organisation but as a beacon of hope and resilience in times of adversity.
“From the inception of Balanced Connections to the endorsement of the community managed evacuation centre and the success of the Field of Friends community parties, every milestone achieved is a testament to the power of collaboration and a shared purpose.”
ICOPE foundation member Ruth Dawson thanked Ms Dimmock for her inspirational leadership and vision.
“We wouldn’t have ICOPE in Iluka without the work Cheryl puts in for the community, the love she has for this community, and that’s what ICOPE’s been born out of, because all of us here, we love Iluka,” she said.
Mr Williamson spoke of the many inspirational women in our lives and in the Clarence Valley who make the world a better place, highlighting the inspiration of Ms Dimmock in developing ICOPE.
He said the award was an opportunity for local members of NSW Parliament to recognise an outstanding woman in their electorate who was an inspiring role model to others as part of International Women’s Day celebrations held annually in March.
“It’s a tough choice because there are so many incredible women doing great things in our communities, but Cheryl certainly stands out,” Mr Williamson said.
Mr Williamson said ICOPE was leading the way in building community resilience, not only in the Clarence Valley, but he said the organisation was a model that should be rolled out across the state.
“Her vision together with the ICOPE team in establishing the group in 2022 came after witnessing firsthand the isolation Iluka had experienced during past bushfires and floods and the need to enhance awareness so the community would be better prepared and more resilient in the future,” he said.
“ICOPE’s ideas were embraced by locals at a community meeting, and with like-minded locals each with their own skills and expertise a comprehensive action plan was formulated to respond to local emergencies.
“That action plan has been formally endorsed by the Clarence Valley Local Emergency Management Committee designating the community of Iluka and surrounds as one of few towns in NSW as a community-managed emergency centre.”