Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations and disaster response

Relevant international frameworks, government policy and academic discourse about disaster response and recovery claim that it should be community-centred. Walgett, New South Wales, has recently endured a number of disasters including floods, COVID-19, and water and food security concerns. The experience of recent disasters in Walgett revealed that the Walgett Aboriginal community is disproportionately negatively impacted at times of such crises. Changes to disaster governance arrangements are required and adequate resources are needed for the Aboriginal community within the town and surrounding areas to support appropriate disaster response and recovery, and to strengthen long-term community wellbeing overall.