Mullumbimby Emergency Community Action (MECA) is an emerging volunteer-led emergency response group working to ensure the community is a collective source of strength during a crisis.
The founders of MECA were actively involved in community support and recovery operations during the 2022 floods. They are inviting the Mullum community to be part of the preparation and recovery conversation on Tuesday, 19 March at 5.30pm at the Byron Community College, Room 5, 6/8 Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby.
MECA’s vision is for coordinated and community-led networks in Mullumbimby. ‘We want the community to be self-reliant and self-empowered and to hear ideas on how we can all work together to build relationships and share resources to meet future challenges,’ said a spokesperson.
The group is looking to ensure that relationships are well formed and communication amongst all groups involved in responding to a disaster is established and well-oiled before the intensity of emergency response.
One of the key goals is to help residents in the wider Mullumbimby region connect with each other and find ways to coordinate within neighbourhoods to ensure better preparedness for any future emergency situation.
Mukti Sadeh, one of the founding members, says, ‘In the last six months MECA members have been working on identifying the areas that need to be strengthened. We have been mentored by Jean Renouf from Plan C and this has helped us create healthy foundations for MECA.’
‘We believe now is the time to build a united and empowered community that is ready to respond to future challenges. Every member of our community, from the youngest to our elders, has something to offer.’
MECA has been endorsed by Byron Council to participate in the CRN (Community Resilience Network) and Byron Shire Community Hubs. MECA is auspiced by Mullum Seed and tax-deductible donations to support MECA can be made via www.mullumseed.org.au/meca.
MECA is currently looking for people with grant writing, event and communications skills to join their core team. Anyone with the energy to be involved can contact Mukti at [email protected].
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