Local emergency management specialist Bridget Tehan has praised the vital role of local historical societies, saying their work is central to community resilience, especially during disasters.

Speaking to the Seymour and District Historical Society, Ms Tehan said small volunteer organisations helped keep communities connected by preserving local stories, identity and belonging.

All of which becomes even more important in the aftermath of emergencies such as floods, fires and storms.

Drawing on nearly 20 years of experience in emergency management, including major events such as Black Saturday, the 2010-11 floods, the Hazelwood Mine Fire, the 2019-20 bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms Tehan, who now works at Australian Red Cross as a senior adviser, said resilience was not all about having complicated plans, but about being prepared, staying connected and recovering together.

Ms Tehan said historical societies played a unique role in disasters by preserving records, photographs and artefacts, as well as helping communities reconnect, not only with their past, but with their local identity after traumatic events.

She acknowledged that many small historical groups faced challenges, including ageing membership, fewer volunteers and limited funding, but said even small practical steps could make a big difference.

Her advice included identifying key local risks, deciding which items were most important to protect, backing up records, keeping contact lists up to date and developing a simple emergency plan.

She also emphasised that community organisations were not alone, pointing to support available from local councils, emergency services, Red Cross and cultural heritage organisations.

Ms Tehan urged community members to get involved and said the work of the Seymour and District Historical Society was “absolutely worth protecting”, not only for today’s residents but for future generations.

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