Forum’s key role as community rebuilds

NEWS

Under 1 Roof (U1R) recently convened a forum attended by more than 60 community and government representatives to focus attention on actions that will build on the incredible community spirit that unfolded as the floods hit Brisbane.

U1R agencies were involved in immediate relief efforts during the time of the floods and are now leading discussions to identify the best approach to community building work as the recovery process continues.
"There is a significant opportunity to apply U1R's strong focus on community and business involvement in solving issues like homelessness, to how we recover from the recent devastation" says spokesman Arch Bevis.
“Creating opportunities that continue to build local relationships is an important part of resilience".
U1R is now concentrating on communicating the outcomes of the forum to government and the wider community. "Crisis is a time when existing leaders come forward and new leaders emerge. Supporting this type of local leadership builds stronger communities for the future".
One topic discussed at length was the risk to people of trauma and grief as a result of the floods. Some communities in other disaster affected areas have responded with activities that bring people together to tell their stories, and build relationships at a local level where they are listened to and acknowledged.
"Crises can result in friendships that last forever and those friendships can make all the difference in getting through" says project worker Fiona Caniglia.
"The forum discussed dozens of ideas that will help to build and sustain these types of relationships in neighbourhoods and between neighbourhoods as the future unfolds". The Forum compiled ideas for going forward which will now be communicated to government and other key stakeholders for action wherever possible.
“There is a lot of experience in Australia and overseas about how you strengthen and rebuild community and belonging after natural disasters. The forum highlighted many important strategies that help to focus our efforts."
In running the forum, U1R sought to extend its own model of collaborative leadership between local agencies, residents and business, to achieve long term and sustainable solutions to tough issues like homelessness.
"The level of interest in this session has been amazing. Some great ideas have emerged that we hope will help focus efforts now on how to emerge with even stronger neighbourhoods for the future" Mr Bevis said.
For more information, contact Fiona Caniglia on 0400 1964 92.