The Preparing Gippsland Communities Project was established in response to the increasing health risks associated with climate change—particularly the growing frequency and severity of bushfires, floods, and heatwaves across the Gippsland region.
Funded through the Preparing Australian Communities Grant, the project has been led by Gippsland PHN to build more resilient health systems and strengthen the region’s capacity to support vulnerable populations during emergencies. It also aims to improve emergency planning and enhance awareness of climate-related health risks.
Developed in partnership with Mosaic Insights, this interactive map is the first of its kind in the region. It geographically identifies Gippsland’s most climate-vulnerable communities using publicly available data—including ABS Census, socio-economic, health, and environmental indicators. The map supports emergency planning, resource prioritisation and service delivery.
Created in collaboration with our Project Advisory Group and Clinical Council, this document outlines the role of primary healthcare in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. It is designed to help primary care providers better understand emergency management systems, strengthen support for vulnerable groups, and improve local disaster resilience.
This practical guide lists key organisations that support vulnerable communities across Gippsland. It enables healthcare providers to build stronger partnerships, improve care coordination, and ensure better outcomes for those most at risk.
Together, these resources aim to improve Gippsland’s preparedness and response to climate-related disasters, with a strong focus on health equity and system-wide collaboration.
This project received funding from the Australian Government’s Preparing Australian Communities Grant, through the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources.
We welcome your feedback on the resources and the Geospatial Risk Map.
Email us at: primarycareresponse@gphn.org.au
Main office
11 Seymour Street, Traralgon, Gunaikurnai Country
13 McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi, Bunurong Country
119 Main Street, Bairnsdale, Gunaikurnai Country
Gippsland PHN is committed to providing inclusive services and work environments where people of all backgrounds, sexualities, genders, cultures, spiritual beliefs, age, bodies and abilities are valued, supported and celebrated.
Gippsland PHN acknowledges the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people/s as the traditional Custodians of Country across the Gippsland region.
We acknowledge the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people/s continuing connection to Land, Water and Community.
We pay our respects to the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People/s, Cultures, and their Elders past and present.
We also recognise, respect and affirm the central role played in our work by people with lived experience, their families and/or carers.
Gippsland PHN acknowledges Alfie Hudson for the healing circles artwork. Alfie is a Gunai Kurnai man and created this artwork which represents health professionals being committed to work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members for the best health outcomes.
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