Community Resilience Networks

Connected Communities. Coordinated Support. Resilient Recovery.

Cessnock City Council supports the creation of Community Resilience Networks (CRNs) to strengthen local emergency preparedness and recovery. These networks bring together a wide range of community-based organisations, service providers, local groups, and businesses with a shared goal: to help the community be ready for emergencies and bounce back stronger when they occur.

What are CRNs?

Community Resilience Networks are locally focused groups that foster collaboration between community services and the emergency management sector. Established CRNs in Cessnock and Wollombi Valley provide a platform to share knowledge, coordinate support, and stay connected before, during and after disaster events.

The Cessnock CRN focuses on the human services sector, which plays a vital role in identifying needs, supporting vulnerable residents, and promoting recovery activities across the Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA).

What do CRNs do?

CRNs are active year-round, not just in times of crisis. Some of the ways they contribute include:

  • Gathering and sharing local information about impacts and needs after emergencies
  • Helping Council and emergency services understand the specific challenges facing different groups in the community
  • Promoting community preparedness activities, such as workshops and seasonal briefings
  • Supporting local risk assessments to inform planning
  • Coordinating or supporting recovery events and outreach following a disaster
  • Sharing updates and resources through trusted local networks

What is the benefit of having CRNs?

Recent national reviews, including the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements (2020), have highlighted the critical role that charities, non-profits, and community organisations play in disaster response and recovery. CRNs give these groups a formal seat at the table long before a crisis hits.

When organisations and services are linked through a CRN:

  • Recovery is faster and more coordinated
  • Community needs are identified and communicated more effectively
  • Local knowledge can be shared with emergency services and Council
  • Resilience-building efforts can be planned and delivered more widely

Who can join a CRN?

If your group, organisation or service supports people in the Cessnock LGA, especially in times of need, you may be a great fit for the CRN.

Members might include:

  • Community and neighbourhood centres
  • Local charities and faith-based groups
  • Schools, preschools and early learning services
  • Health, disability, aged care, and multicultural support providers
  • Aboriginal organisations and Land Councils
  • Local businesses and service clubs
  • Housing, homelessness, and crisis support services
  • Council and emergency service representatives
  • Other interested local stakeholders

When do CRNs meet?

Our CRNs typically meet once per quarter, with additional meetings if needed. For example, extra meetings may occur before high-risk seasons (e.g. bushfire or storm). These gatherings often include updates from local emergency services, recovery briefings, or workshops to support collaboration.

In the event of a disaster, the CRN can help Council and the Local Recovery Committee by identifying emerging needs, advising on community recovery activities, and sharing information with and from impacted groups.

Why should I join a CRN?

Being part of the Cessnock CRN offers practical and strategic advantages for community organisations, services and local groups:

  • Improved access to emergency information
  • Receive timely updates from Council and emergency services, including seasonal risk briefings and recovery updates
  • Stay informed about local emergency plans, response arrangements, and available support
  • Stronger collaboration and connections
  • Build relationships with other local services, agencies and networks
  • Identify shared priorities and work together on preparedness and recovery initiatives
  • Increased visibility in recovery planning
  • Contribute to recovery discussions and planning processes led by Council or the Local Recovery Committee
  • Help ensure the needs of your clients or community group are recognised and supported
  • Support for clients and communities
  • Get information and tools to better support the people you serve before, during and after emergencies
  • Participate in coordinated recovery activities, such as outreach, referral, or service hubs
  • Capacity building for your organisation
  • Access resources and training to strengthen your organisation’s disaster readiness and continuity planning
  • Learn from peers through shared experiences, local case studies and collaborative projects
  • Opportunities to shape local resilience efforts
  • Provide input into community risk assessments and local emergency engagement strategies
  • Help tailor messages, materials and support programs to reach diverse or at-risk groups
  • Recognition as a Community Resilience Partner
  • Be part of a recognised network contributing to Cessnock’s disaster resilience goals
  • Show your organisation’s commitment to supporting community wellbeing in times of crisis

Interested in joining a CRN?

Whether you’re a local service provider, community leader, or simply want to strengthen community resilience, we welcome your participation. Together, we can help ensure the Cessnock community is more connected, more prepared — and more resilient.

To express interest or learn more, please contact Council’s Community Resilience Team via council@cessnock.nsw.gov.au 

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