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Wodonga to host 'heatwave hotpot' forum
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Posted: 30/06/2008
THE Wodonga and Bendigo Heatwave Projects today announced a community engagement partnership involving each city hosting a ‘heatwave hotpot’ forum, covering the social impacts of increased heat waves and heat events as a result of climate change.
The Heatwave Project is aimed at identifying and responding to the social, support, education, emergency planning, information, health and community needs associated with the increased frequency, likelihood and intensity of heat waves and extreme heat events as a result of climate change.
Wodonga will host its forum on Tuesday, July 8 at the Wodonga Civic Centre followed by Bendigo on Thursday, July 10 at the Capital Theatre.
Both forums will start at 9am and run until 2:30pm, with a hot soup lunch provided.
Wodonga Council’s manager health and civic services Mark Verbaken said the forums provide a fantastic opportunity to learn about the social impacts of climate change and heat waves on vulnerable groups in the community.
“The forums will contribute to the development of the Heatwave Project’s strategies,” he said.
“We are hoping to have a diverse range of community and organisational representatives from health services, community groups, welfare agencies, education, emergency response and disability sectors.
“Anyone with an interest in the social impacts of climate change and heatwaves on vulnerable groups and communities is also encouraged to attend.”
Attendees will hear from:
- Julie Hoy, Acting Manager Community Health Risk Department of Human Services on ‘Climate change adaptation’
- Post Doctoral Fellow, Margaret Loughnan, from Monash University on ‘Demography and socioeconomic status’
- Judy McInnes from Monash University on ‘Awareness, knowledge and risk reduction’
For more information about the Wodonga forum, contact Stephanie Garoni on 0437 620 448 or garoni@westnet.com.au. RSVPs are essential.
The Wodonga and Bendigo Heatwave projects are funded by the Victorian Government, as part of the Victorian Climate Change Adaptation Program.
