Like many regional communities throughout Southern NSW, the central hub of Narooma is the Post Office.
That vital role of community hub was highlighted during the 2019-20 bushfires when postal manager Janette Hunt was running the Batemans Bay branch.
``For many days during the bushfires we were the only business open in town. People were coming to us for information, to buy products that they couldn’t get such as batteries, battery-operated torches and radios, and for their banking. ATMs were down everywhere because there was no power. We also helped businesses out with mail redirections and getting parcels out to customers.
``Sometimes, it was just a place to catch up with other people and get a friendly hug from a friendly face.’’
Every business large and small is vital to its community.
Southern NSW business owners across 12 LGAs can learn how throughout the course of the free Business Community Resilience (BCR) Toolkit pilot program.
Delivered by corporate2community, a social enterprise committed to building resilience in all businesses (big and small), the 26-part program helps business owners and operators take small steps to build resilience in any size and type of business by asking two yes or no questions and providing simple tips.
BCR Toolkit Module 9 – My Community Needs Me – is out Tuesday 25 January.
Southern NSW BCR Toolkit lead Mel Peverill said: ``The ninth module helps businesses realise their importance to their community.
``By laying the foundations of positive relationships in the good times helps ensure support when you need it if disaster strikes.’’
Ms Hunt agrees: ``What you give, you receive. You support your community and your community supports you.'’
Narooma Post Office is ``a business that brings a lot of people together’’.
``It’s where people come to meet, to see and chat with each other, to find out information, to conduct their business and banking and of course to stay connected to family, friends, customers and suppliers outside the area.’’
On a larger scale, Australia Post is involved in many partnerships with organisations such as the Red Cross and the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. It gives community grants of up to $10,000 to community groups each year.
Locally, Narooma branch supports local schools, the CWA and community events, with many staff volunteering with the Rural Fire Brigade and SES.
So, do you know why you’re essential to your community? Does your business give back to your community?
It’s not too late to join the free BCR Toolkit program – just click HERE.
Past modules include: 80/20 Rule, 3 Revenue Streams, Supply Chains, Linchpin, Internet Connection, Little Black Box, Next Door Saviour and No Power No Problem. Data collected during the BCR Toolkit program is shared with local working group representatives including councils and business chambers to support local learning and future funding outreaches.
The BCR Toolkit program runs until October 2022. The program is funded via the joint-funded NSW and Commonwealth Government Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund (BCRRF). The Business Community Resilience (BCR) Toolkit is a FREE pilot program available to all businesses within the Local Government Areas of: Bega Valley, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Eurobodalla, Goulburn Mulwaree, Greater Hume, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Shoalhaven, Snowy Monaro, Snowy Valleys, Upper Lachlan, Wagga Wagga and Wingecarribee.
Register HERE.