Results of the fifth MADRA AGM held on Thursday November 13, 2025
As noted in the President’s report, MADRA is “alive and well” with some solid achievements in the past year, and important work to continue in helping to build the resilience of our community “for whatever mother nature and climate change throws at us”. There was good discussion about priorities for 2026 including promotion of achievements of MADRA and other community groups, and proposals to seek additional funding. Five committee members were elected to the Committee. They are: Phil Piper (President), Jim Adams (Vice-President), Peter Giddings (Treasurer), Helen Bull (Secretary), Ash Turner (Committee member). The Committee would like to thank members including those who attended for your on-going support.
MADRA Committee next steps
The Committee has started work on an Action Plan for 2025/26 before sharing it for community feedback. It will include proposals for further community forums aimed at documenting progress and planning for the future. We are delighted to report that renowned resilience researcher Professor Jacki Schirmer of University of Canberra has offered to help us to explore directions including the cycle between resilience and recovery, and what builds community resilience and aids recovery. Further details on this and other community forums will be provided as details are firmed up. Please forward any suggestions for topics you would like to discuss as a community.
Community grants
The Gippsland Community Foundation is offering grants of up to $50,000. Applications for the next round are due on 28 February. Michelle Dowsett from the GCF will be at the Wilderness Collective on Friday 23 January to chat to any community groups interested in applying. Further information is available from the GCF website. Please let MADRA know if you or your organisation would like a letter of support for your application, or to partner with MADRA.
Further information: https://www.gippslandcf.org.au/current-grant-opportunities/community-bushfire-recovery-grants-2025-552xt
January 2026 bushfires
The Committee would like to pass on its thanks to the hardworking emergency and resilience volunteers and staff for their response to the January fires at Howes Flat and Genoa and further afield. And to remind people of the services available to help those affected by fire.
Further information: https://www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/community/recovering-from-an-emergency
Best wishes, MADRA Committee