Drought, Disruption, and the Drive to Adapt: Where Community Resilience Meets Community Leadership

Local communities are navigating an increasingly complex world, where global trends shape local realities in ways beyond their control. Acute shocks – such as storms, bushfires and economic disruptions – occur against a backdrop of chronic stresses like drought, climate change, rising living costs and housing pressures, often leaving little time to recover between events. 

We often hear the word resilience, but what does it actually mean in practice? It’s not just about bouncing back – and it’s certainly not about toughing it out alone. Instead, it’s about being better prepared for an uncertain future, strengthening local connections, and ensuring communities have what they need to adapt and thrive. 

This interactive workshop will bring together Maree Grenfell (Once Upon Tomorrow, The Resilience Canopy) a leader in urban and community resilience, and leading climate scientist Graeme Anderson (Agriculture Victoria), to explore how leadership, connection and community-led action can support local adaptation in a rapidly changing world. Through shared discussions and practical strategies, participants will gain tools to strengthen their communities in ways that are meaningful and achievable. 

Delivered by Alpine Valleys Community Leadership, this workshop is supported by FRRR through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. We thank the Wangaratta Turf Club for their support in providing the venue.