Author Archives: Bridget Tehan

Mar 16

Perspectives from the frontline

The bushfires of the Black Summer of 2019–20 were among the worst in our state’s history.

Apr 30

Emergency relief in the Coronavirus crisis

For many in our community a state of emergency is the daily reality. Emergency relief agencies are there to help.

Dec 24

We’re not doing enough to help community organisations confront climate change

Community organisations are themselves highly vulnerable to climate change.

Dec 17

We must get the process of self-determination right

The best outcomes will come when policies and programs are shaped and led by Aboriginal people.

Dec 11

Are you ready for an emergency event this summer?

A range of resources are available for organisations, clients and communities to help prepare for the summer season.

Sep 25

10 years of emergency management reform

Significant changes have been and continue to be made in Victoria’s emergency management arrangements.

Mar 20

Good social policies can’t end at the city limits

The poverty rate for regional Victoria is a whopping 15.1%. This needs special attention.

Jan 25

Please look after yourself, and your mates, as we commemorate Black Saturday

Ten years ago, Victorians lived through the worst heatwave and bushfires in Australia’s history. Tragically, 173 people lost their lives

Nov 21

The voices of regional Victoria need to be heard

‘The Voices of Regional Victoria' compiles and distils the ‘burning social issues’ in the state’s regional areas.

The Voices of Regional Victoria

Regional Victorians have the same stake in our democracy as people living in Melbourne. Their needs require the same recognition

Oct 10

Time for a treaty

In June this year the Victorian Parliament passed Australia’s first ever treaty legislation, the Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Bill

Oct 8

Regional communities demand better transport services

There’s a perception that living in rural areas is cheaper than in cities, but the added cost of transport can

Sep 26

Celebrating and supporting cultural diversity

Victoria is home to one of the most culturally diverse societies in the world, and is also among the fastest-growing

Jul 31

Four things we learnt from HILDA

VCOSS highlights four key takeaways from the 2018 HILDA report—along with suggested solutions.

May 30

The little House that could.. meet Morwell’s social heart

The true value of a Neighbourhood House is counted in more than dollars.

Feb 13

Vulnerable people in emergencies

The review of the Vulnerable People in Emergencies policy is an important step in improving emergency management policies to better

Jan 25

Be cool this weekend ☀

If anyone you know is likely to be at risk during hot weather, help them get the advice and support

Dec 19

Kinship carers neglected

"Appallingly neglected": Victoria's Ombudsman sounds the alarm on the treatment of kinship carers.

May 16

Building resilient communities

Community organisations are the key to helping Victorians prepare for and overcome disasters and it is time to bring them

May 3

Health and wellbeing

Investment in mental health, drug and alcohol services and in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations in the 2017 Victorian Budget will

Dec 22

Extreme heat exposes social injustice

For vulnerable Victorians, our summer heatwaves are more than just an excuse to head to the beach, they are a

Nov 22

Bringing people with disability into emergency planning

With one in five Victorians living with a disability, it is critical to address their needs in emergency planning.

Nov 3

The Latrobe Valley won’t be beaten, but it still needs our help.

The Latrobe Valley is again steeling itself for a fight. They’re a resilient bunch, but they can’t do it on

Oct 27

Place-based solutions for the Latrobe Valley

Communities in the Latrobe Valley have a strong appetite to re-establish a sense of place and pride. Integrated social and

Sep 15

How the community sector helped post-earthquake Christchurch help itself

When a major earthquake shook Christchurch in September 2010, bridges and buildings weren’t the only things put under pressure.

Jul 28

Communities working together in emergency planning

Couldn't make it to the VCOSS-MAV "Working with community in emergency planning" forum? Never fear, we've got you covered.

Jun 29

Supporting vulnerable people to adapt to climate change

Low-income earners tend to live in areas or conditions more likely to be adversely affected by climate change, and have

Jun 9

Working together in emergency planning

Find out how community organisations and local government can work more closely together when managing disasters and emergency events.

May 20

Vulnerable people in emergencies – lessons from South Australia

A report released by the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC in January 2016, Capturing community experiences in the 2015

May 10

Homelessness and emergency management: Victorian perspectives

Disasters and emergencies such as bushfires, floods and heatwaves affect all Australians, no matter what their background or status. A

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