Rodney Stevens

Locals and members of the Yamba Community Action Network Yamba CAN Inc held their Annual General Meeting last month where they heard from guest speaker, Clarence Valley Council’s Emergency Management and Resilience coordinator Robyn Monk and elected a new committee.

Yamba CAN Inc secretary Lynne Cairns said Ms Monk gave a comprehensive and informative presentation about her responsibilities and the Emergency Management and Resilience Framework.

“She provided a PowerPoint presentation outlining the various emergency organisations involved when natural disasters occur, such as flooding and bushfires,” she said.

“These organisations fulfil a vital role, working to keep the community safe and ensuring there is no risk to life.”

Mrs Cairns said Ms Monk also spoke about the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act, the Regional Emergency Management Committee, the SES Flood Plan currently being updated and the Incident Management and Emergency Operations Centre.

She also spoke about the need for data collection from all agencies to create an impact assessment report about an incident, the logistics and liaison with functional and welfare agencies to rescue impacted people, protect life, and resupply the community, particularly isolated residents.

People who attended asked Ms Monk a number of questions including about the reliance on volunteers for SES and the RFS and their ageing members, why people couldn’t reach the SES designated evacuation centre in the 2022 Yamba Flood, information on how many Clarence residents had applied for a buyback or retrofit, and why Yamba Coles ran out of food.

The meeting identified a Clarence Valley Recovery Support Plan is needed with community profiles as there are different needs and different leaders among communities.

This plan would ensure immediate response on re-supply of food, clearly identify road closures and when they are predicted to open, plus keep track of vulnerable residents’ location and condition.

Following warm applause for Ms Monk’s presentation, the Chair’s, Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports were presented, then the amended constitution, which Mrs Cairns said will provide better functionality of the committee and voting procedures, was carried unanimously.

The election of the Yamba CAN Inc committee for 2023/24 was then held and the following six people were elected, Col Shephard, Lynette Deacon, Rob Mylchreest, Ian Warlters, Craigh McNeill and Lynne Cairns.

Chair Col Shephard thanked the outgoing committee members for their hard work and support, those who nominated for 2023/2024 and gave a big thank you to the members for supporting Yamba CAN Inc.

“Our members are the very reason for Yamba CAN’s existence,” he said.

“Without them there would be no Yamba CAN Inc.

“Their every contribution helps in building and strengthening Yamba CAN Inc.”