City of Greater Bendigo – Early start, important conversations
Last Thursday morning saw an early 8am start for set-up at the City of Greater Bendigo’s (CoGB) Government Hub. A heartfelt thank you to Sue-Ellen for braving the early hour to meet us and support the set-up.
We were delighted to welcome a large and engaged group of 15 participants from across Emergency Services support teams within CoGB, alongside Hayley and Sarah from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR). We are deeply grateful for FRRR’s involvement and support — not only for their presence on the day, but for the extraordinary work they have done over the past two decades. Since 2000, FRRR has awarded more than $200 million in grants to over 15,000 projects, strengthening rural, regional and remote communities across Australia. The Immersive Bushfire Experience Foundation (IBEF) is proud to be supported by FRRR through our fundraising donations account.
This workshop brought together participants from a wide range of living environments — from high-risk bush blocks to town dwellers in places like Castlemaine who felt comparatively safer. That perception shifted quickly with the mention of “Los Angeles”, and the realisation that urban and peri-urban environments are not immune to bushfire risk. It was a powerful reminder that this summer, nowhere can be assumed safe.
Several participants shared moving reflections from their childhood bushfire experiences. One described how even decades later, not wanting to lose sight of a parent still lingers — a powerful entry point into conversation about the long-term impacts of emergency experiences on children. This opened a rich discussion about giving children a “job” in planning: something purposeful to focus on so they are not overwhelmed by fear or by seeing adults distressed. Evidence from past disasters shows that children who are involved in preparation and action recover better psychologically than those who are excluded from planning altogether.
The group brought a wide range of lived experience and practical insight into the room. Conversation flowed easily between topics including:
how smoke can quickly evoked lived experience memories
caring for elderly parents
planning for medical equipment and mobility needs
navigating teenage behaviour under stress
and the layered responsibilities of carers during emergencies.
A big thank you to Kym for supporting the audio tech on the day, and to Kim for inviting IBEF to meet with her team. We enjoyed working from the stunning Government Hub with its glass walls, light-filled spaces and sweeping views across the skyline. From boardrooms to community halls, we continue to learn that everyone has something to gain when it comes to bushfire preparedness.
One of our team’s quiet highlights is listening to groups during the VR experience. This is a moment when participants wear noise-cancelling headphones and become completely immersed. Inevitably, there are always a few spontaneous exclamations that escape into the room — and Bendigo did not disappoint. The laughter that followed was a reminder of just how real the experience becomes.
Participant feedback reinforced the value of the morning. Several reported increased confidence in recognising their personal triggers for leaving, stronger awareness of where and how to seek support, and renewed commitment to having hard conversations at home.
“It would be great to run this at schools and community groups in fire-prone areas.”
“This enabled me to experience the pressure and fear in a safe way.”
“Very ‘real’. A reality check that I needed.”
“I will definitely be discussing a fire plan with my partner.”
“Such an important life-saving initiative.”
Councils are often on the frontline of community fear, concern and complaint during high-risk periods. We hope this experience has strengthened participants’ understanding of emotional preparedness as they continue to serve and support the communities of Bendigo and surrounds. The work they do matters: and how they do it, under pressure, matters even more.
Thank you, City of Greater Bendigo, for your openness, generosity and willingness to lean into these conversations. Wishing you a peaceful Summer ahead.
