The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has appointed Indigenous Community Navigators to support flood relief efforts within First Nations communities in the Kimberley.
A Unit Leader and three Community Navigators are to work with the Bunuba, Gooniyandi, Walmajarri and Nyikina communities in the Fitzroy Valley, all of which were impacted by last month’s once-in-a-century floods.
In a statement, the DFES said the Community Navigators were equipped with local knowledge and an understanding of the complexities of their communities, including kinship systems and languages.
“They will support community engagement in the flood response, disseminating important information relating to assistance from State Government Agencies and helping coordinate repatriations,” the Department said.
“The initiative has been established in partnership with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions,” it said.
“It is designed to complement DFES’s focus on a region-led response, with Community Navigators acting as a bridge between affected communities and Government.”
Minister for Emergency Services, Stephen Dawson said the Community Navigators initiative was a first of its kind for Western Australia.
“The program will support Aboriginal communities by working as a bridge between them and the Incident Management Team,” Mr Dawson said.
“This will improve outcomes for Indigenous people impacted by the devastating Kimberley floods,” he said.
“Community Navigators will work together with communities and stakeholders to better identify community priorities, and will play an important role in the wider region’s recovery,” the Minister said.
