Myrtleford was one of three communities successful in their expression of interest for the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) Disaster Resilient: Future Ready (DR:FR) program.

With Myrtleford Neighbourhood Centre taking the lead, in partnership with the Community Recovery Committee and Into Our Hands Community Foundation, the community will receive support as part of a multi-year, community-led program.

The place-based program model is designed to work with grassroots organisations and community representatives who are interested in collaborating and leading initiatives to increase community preparedness and strengthen resilience capacity. The aim is that communities will be better prepared to address the impacts of climate change, natural disasters and broader disruptions that affect the sustainability, vitality and resilience of remote, rural and regional communities across Australia.

"We're thrilled to have been successful with our EOI," said MNC manager, Jill Graham. "This program will help us continue the work we've been doing with the Enabling Communities bushfire recovery project.

Through the Enabling Communities funding, and in partnership with Red Cross and Alpine Shire, MNC hosted a RediCommunities workshop in late March. "This workshop brought together agencies and other organisations that work in or have an interest in recovery in the Myrtleford community," said Jill.

"The aim of the workshop was to start identifying who's working in this space, what they're doing, and begin the conversation about how we work more collaboratively.

"We were very pleased with the number of participants, and the level of engagement and input from everyone there. There was a very positive energy in the room."