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This article was published on Monday, 23 March, 2026. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Merrigum and surrounds – Leaping into Safer Communities workshop

In Summary

Council is inviting residents of Merrigum and surrounding areas to attend a workshop to identify local emergency risks and strengthen community preparedness and recovery.
The workshop will support the development of a Local Emergency Action Plan (LEAP) for Merrigum, using local knowledge to improve resilience to emergencies such as floods and bushfires.
Participants will help identify local risks, impacts and actions, as well as explore how the community can better connect and respond during emergencies.
The workshop will be held on Monday 30 March 2026 from 6pm to 8.30pm at the Merrigum Senior Citizens Hall, with a light supper provided.

Participants will assist in the development of a Local Emergency Action Plan (LEAP) for Merrigum, using local knowledge to improve resilience and preparedness for emergencies, such as floods and bushfires. A LEAP is designed to ensure residents are prepared for an incident or emergency and have an action plan for managing their own safety and assets, while providing a framework for communicating and assisting others in the area during an emergency or incident.

A local steering group has led the collaboration with various emergency agencies and Council to arrange the workshop, which will assist in answering key considerations such as:

What are the local emergency risks and hazards within the community?
What are the impacts and consequences of these risks?
What actions can be taken to reduce the risks and impacts of emergencies?
What are the best ways for the community to connect in relation to emergency preparedness?

Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said Local Emergency Action Plans are important documents to ensure safer, more resilient communities.

“Merrigum is the first community within Greater Shepparton to develop a LEAP. This plan is an important step in ensuring the community is well prepared for any future incident or emergency, while also ensuring residents have the steps in place to manage their own safety and personal assets,” he said.

“Community based emergency management is about working together to be safer and more resilient. Local knowledge is one of the most powerful tools in emergency planning, so I encourage residents in Merrigum and surrounds to attend the workshop to have their say to ensure the plan is shaped by their needs.”

Cr Rod Schubert, Midland Ward, said community input was a crucial step in the emergency planning process.

“By bringing residents together to share their experiences, concerns and ideas, this workshop will help build a practical plan that reflects the realities of life in Merrigum and supports the community to look out for one another before, during and after an emergency,” he said.

Details of the Leaping into Safer Communities workshop are included below:

When: Monday 30 March 2026 from 6pm to 8.30pm
Where: Merrigum Senior Citizens Hall – 104 Waverley Avenue, Merrigum
A light supper will be provided.

This project is part of the Leaping into Safer Communities project, in partnership with Strathbogie Shire Council and funded by the Victorian Government.

For further information contact Council’s Resilience Project Officer, Fiona Feldtmann, via email leap@shepparton.vic.gov.au or phone 5832 9700.