EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT MINISTERS AGREE TO SHARE EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Australia’s emergency services ministers have today agreed to establish an internet database, hosted by the Australian Disaster Information Network, which will enable the states and territories to easily share knowledge about community emergency education programs.
Attorney-General Robert McClelland welcomed the decision.
“This is a practical initiative that will make community resilience more effective. By freely sharing their education initiatives across the country, state and territory governments can utilise their resources more efficiently.”
“This project is particularly important because many Australian families move around the country every year, with their children changing schools. We can’t afford to keep these very worthwhile education programs just in the one state. We require a more cooperative and national approach. When developed the site will be an excellent resource for teachers, students and parents,” Mr McClelland said.
“I commend the excellent work undertaken by the states and territories in the area of community education. Today’s agreement will ensure this work, along with that of the Commonwealth, is applied as broadly as possible.”
A number of outstanding projects developed in different regions of Australia will be highlighted this month at the annual National Safer Communities Awards, which will be presented by the Attorney-General.
The projects that have been nominated include a fire education program for remote community school children, an interactive game with quizzes to help children learn about natural disasters, and a series of disaster stories voiced by teenagers on a DVD to help their peers learn about cyclones, bushfires and floods.
Media Contacts:
Adam Sims, Mr McClelland’s Office, 0419 480 224
Alastair Wilson, EMA Media Liaison 0408 606 462