The awards were hosted at NSW Parliament House by the Hon Michael Gallacher, Minister for Police and Emergency Services and attended by Raelene Thompson, Executive Director for the Australian Emergency Management Institute.​

The Resilient Australia Awards recognise innovative practices and achievements across the nation that are making our communities safer, stronger, more resilient and better prepared to manage any emergency situation.  The awards cover all aspects of community safety in the context of building disaster resilience including:

• risk assessment
• research
• education and training
• information and knowledge management, and
• prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.

“Community Flood Reference Groups” – Mid North Coast Region

The Community Flood Reference Groups (CFRGs) were developed as a result of the recommendations made at post flood forums in Lower Macleay (east of Kempsey) and Manning Point (east of Taree) areas. The aim of these groups is to develop and implement community owned engagement activities, influence emergency management planning and function operationally as a network for the dissemination of preparedness and response information.   The CFRGs have helped to start an ongoing conversation between the NSWSES and the local communities. These groups have implemented a range of supported initiatives including doorknocking high risk areas with FloodSafe information, identification of support mechanisms and people for vulnerable community members and a sandbagging exercise where community members learnt how to fill sandbags and construct a sandbag wall.   

“Coffs Harbour Migrant and Refugee Forum” – Clarence Nambucca Region   Coffs Harbour has a considerable migrant and refugee population. Many of these people have had poor experiences with people in uniform which might act as a barrier during an emergency situation. This project was developed in partnership with Coffs Coast Community College to address the urgent and unique needs of this community. The main aim of the forum was to demystify the roles of the different uniformed services within Australia, and humanise our workforce in order to reduce fears and foster relationships. Participants received education from every emergency service and local uniformed service where the content was tailored to meet their language and literacy skills, and the delivery style focused on building relationships.   The NSW SES congratulates the members who worked on these award winning programs.