Orbost District Community Recovery and Transition Committee (ODCRTC) is up and running.
A little more than a year has passed since last summer’s devastating bushfires and recovery mode is now in full swing with the committee now formed in pushing ahead.
The groups consists of: Heather Macalister (chair), Liz Smith (deputy chair), Scott Campbell-Smith (secretary), Brendan Pfanner, Carl Turney, Emma Orgill, Garry Squires, Grant Tucker, Helen McCarthy, Hugh Bartley, Liz Mitchell, May Leatch, Narelle Macalister, Patty Mulroney, Peter Quin, Peter Van den Oever, Samantha Reynolds, Stan Weatherall, Vanessa Ingram Daniel, William Florance and Kathy Woods.
The group meets weekly to understand and respond to the recovery and transition needs of the community to maximise opportunities that directly benefit the economic, social, and environmental recovery and wellbeing of the Orbost District.
The role of the committee is to:
* Establish and support effective communication between the community, key stakeholders, and all levels of government, engaged in recovery and transition community through inclusive consultation, effective representation, and by working collaboratively;
* Develop a Communication and Engagement Plan that is designed to provide regular updates and two-way interaction with the community on the committee’s activities and broader recovery and transition issues;
* Work to understand and prioritise the community’s recovery issues, opportunities and concerns and develop a Community Recovery Plan that aligns with strategic priorities for the future;
* Represent and advocate for the community on issues relating to recovery and transition.
* Identify funding and support projects that are consistent with the Community Recovery Plan.
* Identify and co-opt external expertise where required.
“The ODCRTC will establish criteria for the provision of its endorsement and support against which projects, activities and recovery initiatives can be assessed,” Mrs Macalister said.
“These criteria will guide the deliberations of the committee and will consider the economic, social and environmental benefit, value, sustainability and contribution to community resilience of any potential project or recovery initiative.”
The committee was established through an expression of interest process during October and early November.
The selection panel of three, from council, Bushfire Recovery Victoria (BRV) and Red Cross, unanimously agreed that the 21 nominations received would all be accepted onto the committee.
The independent panel assessed the nominations put forward and was impressed with the strong field of applicants, bringing diversity and a range of skills and experiences across the region.
The committee will be further supported by an appointed working group whose members will be bring added expertise, interest and energy to the committee’s priorities and activities.

IMAGE
The recently formed Orbost District Community Recovery and Transition Committee has swung into action. (PS)