A comment by UNE Vice-Chancellor Annabelle Duncan at a function several years ago has culminated in an innovative partnership between UNE and the NSW State Emergency Service (SES).
Prof Duncan asked if there was an opportunity for UNE to get involved with the emergency services sector to help deliver training and leadership opportunities to students and staff, while at the same time providing volunteer expertise to emergency organisations.
Further discussions led to the signing of an agreement last year between both organisations to work together on a range of projects, involving both UNE students and staff, and SES volunteers and employees, for the benefit of the entire community.
The first fruits of the collaboration is a campaign to encourage the NSW community to prepare for floods and storms, and it was launched jointly yesterday at UNE.
‘#3Things’ is a social media-driven campaign based on the idea of changing behaviour through getting people to think about what is important and valuable to them.
“It came about when a group of students and staff, and SES volunteers and staff, came together to generate new social media content for the flood and storm season.
“The partnership between the two organisations has the stated goal of working with and empowering communities, particularly in regional areas, which is what both UNE and the SES do as part of their day to day activities,” Senior Lecturer and Project Leader for the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) at UNE, Melissa Parsons, said .
“The #3Things campaign is one of the first tangible benefits of the collaboration between the two organisations, but there are many more synergies and opportunities into the future there.”
Dr Parsons said that while most people were familiar with the great work that orange-uniformed NSW SES members do at the scene of an accident or disaster, the service was exploring new ways for people to get involved with the NSW SES with its “Volunteering Reimagined” program.
“It’s about giving people the flexibility and options to do what they enjoy but to also give back to the NSW community,” she said.
“This opens up opportunities for our staff and students - from health, to agriculture, to education and beyond - to volunteer with the NSW SES using the skills and interests that align with their degrees or professional interests.
“Volunteering is a great way to connect communities and has benefits for everyone involved.
“What’s happening next is to create some new volunteer projects for students and staff at UNE. If you would like to participate then please do get in contact with me.”
Follow the link for more information on the #3things campaign.
