What is the purpose of a Community Hub?

In the event of a disaster, the Hawea Community Response Group has the authority to open a Community Emergency Hub. One hub will be located at the Lake Hawea Community Centre, and another at Hawea Flat School and/or Hawea Flat Hall.

During such times, official services will be stretched thin, requiring them to prioritise the most urgent emergencies. As a community, we will need to come together and help each other.

Objectives of the Community Emergency Hub are to:

• Provide information so that our community knows how to help each other and stay safe.

• Understand what is happening. 

• Solve problems using what our community has available. 

• Provide a safe gathering place for members of the community to support one another. 

When should you contact or visit the Community Emergency Hub?

Your first priority will be your family and staying home with them. Once the Community Emergency Hub is opened, several WiFi hotspots are planned to be installed around Lake Hawea using Starlink to provide internet access. Once operational, everyone should be able to communicate with family and friends outside of our immediate area. However, please keep in mind that they might also be affected and unable to receive your messages. This setup will reduce the need for individuals to visit the Community Emergency Hub.

We expect the WiFi hotspots to become focal points where people can gather and support each other without needing to come to the Community Emergency Hub. Emergency updates and news on the status of our local area will be available via SMS if you have registered. Your local Street Leader will also be kept informed and can communicate with everyone in their street or area.

Once things are in order you can go to your local Community Emergency Hub for:

• First aid

• Lost or found pets

• Requesting or offering help by sharing skills and resources with the community

• Organising the cleanup of your neighborhood