An inspiring partnership between TAFE NSW and Vinnies is helping the Clarence and Macleay Valley communities recover from the heartbreak of the Black Summer bushfires – and be better prepared for any future disasters.
As part of its Bushfire Recovery Program, Vinnies Clarence Valley is partnering with TAFE NSW to deliver a range of fee-free courses – from food handling to first aid – to residents of Ewingar, Nymboida, Dundurrabin, Willawarrin and surrounds.
In the 2019-2020 disaster, over the course of a few months, 2,448 homes were destroyed and 5.5 million hectares (ha) of land was burnt. The impact on NSW communities, farmers, local businesses, wildlife and bushland was unprecedented.
In partnership with Vinnies, TAFE NSW is offering a range of courses to help residents gain employability skills, learn fire management techniques and better equip the community to build back.
The courses, which commenced in July and run through to November, include chainsaw, first aid, white card and safe food handling. Among the latest to run was a Tree Felling courses on 29 and 30 October in Willawarrin.
TAFE NSW Director of Agribusiness Craig Conway said the courses were arming locals with the practical tools to make a difference in their own lives and support the community.
“This is a tangible example of how TAFE NSW tailors courses to give students the real-world skills when they need it most,” Mr Conway said.
“Having more locals trained in skills such as first aid and chainsaw operations could be invaluable, especially during times of crisis.”
Coordinator of the Vinnies Clarence Valley Bushfire Recovery Program, Carole Isaacs, said the TAFE NSW courses were one of the many ways Vinnies was helping disaster-hit communities.
“This is something we can give communities and help them be better prepared for future disasters,” Ms Isaacs said.
“The TAFE NSW teachers have been excellent, and I think the communities have benefited greatly.”
For more information about enrolling in a Bushfire Recovery Program course, contact bushfirerelief.CG@vinnies.org.au.