Emerald: The jewel of the Dandenongs with a community of rare gems
Last Monday night’s Immersive Bushfire Experience workshop in Emerald was small in numbers, but immense in impact. Our setting was a stunning old church next to the Emerald Fernlea Community House. Incidentally, if you haven’t ever been to the Emerald Community House, it’s well worth a visit. Vibrant colours, super-friendly staff and a comfortable homely feel make it very inviting: no wonder so many community members call it a second home.
From the outset, the Monday night group impressed us with their confidence using VR technology — a detail that allowed the session to run seamlessly, and meant the conversation could quickly deepen into what matters most: how decisions are really made inside households when fire risk is high.
What followed was one of the most courageous and reflective conversations we’ve had in any workshop to date.
Several people spoke openly about decision-making dynamics in their relationships. Participants reflected on scenarios in which their partners sensed danger instinctively, only to have those instincts “fact-checked” by partners through other family members, neighbours, or community networks before action was taken.
This led to powerful discussion about Black Saturday, where we know many women woke early that morning with a deep sense of unease and urged their families to leave. In too many heartbreaking cases, reassurance won out over intuition.
The Emerald group did not shy away from this truth. Men in the room reflected honestly on the pressure they feel to remain “rational,” to minimise risk, or to hold things together in moments of uncertainty — and how this instinct, while protective in intention, can be dangerous in practice. The collective insight that emerged was profound:
As a couple, disagreeing then deciding what your plan is long before you are under stress and fear is crucial. Listening early can be lifesaving.
Another strong theme to emerge was that some local employers do not take bushfire risk seriously.
Participants spoke of workplaces where head office was based outside of the Dandenong Ranges that minimised local danger, lacked clear policies for high-risk days, and provided no guidance about when staff should prioritise safety over attendance. The group discussed the importance of advocating collectively and in writing — and the right to ask for urgent meetings and policy clarity to remove dangerous ambiguity.
In many communities, we are “preaching to the choir.” But Emerald was different. This group represented exactly who we need to reach: people living with risk who had not yet truly faced it. A huge thanks to Kerry from Fernlea Community House for her targeted approach to recruitment of participants and warm welcome.
By the end of the session, something had shifted.
People left not just informed — but transformed. More aware. More courageous. More ready to act. Their feedback said it all:
“Everyone living in a bushfire prone area should do this! So so good!”
“Thank you for an incredibly impactful and thought-provoking experience. I would love more people to engage with preparation like this. Thank you for your courage in creating such a legacy from your terrible loss.”
We hope to be back in Emerald next year.
