In the wake of the January 2026 bush fires and a number of rural communities thrust into crisis mode, we thought it was timely to revisit a previous fire impacted community – Mallacoota – and ask them to reflect on worked well in their recovery process that is finally winding down after six years. How did they successfully startup again?
We were joined by the inaugural chair of the Mallacoota and District Recovery Association [MADRA] – David Appleton, the current chair, Phil Piper and Administrative Assistant for 4.5 years, Maggie Langdon.
David explained how they set up a community led recovery to achieve their goals rather than being the recipient of the good will plans of others. “We wanted to build back better, not just build back. It was an opportunity to improve.” He said it was essential to have wide representation of all interest groups and geographic areas to be recognised as the VOICE of their community. This gained them the respect of all three levels of government that they worked with.
Phil says that while some people have not returned to Mallacoota they have been pleased to see a number of trades people and their families move into town. Most businesses were retained and a government grant helped to restore their major industry, Mallacoota Abalone Limited, that suffered major damage.
Maggie explained how her role helped to alleviate the huge burden placed upon the volunteers that were driving MADRA and says it was a privilege to help her community. She believes that COMMUNICATION was the key to their success, keeping everyone informed and being open and transparent. “Recovery is a marathon so it is important to be realistic about what you can do and achieve,” said Maggie warning about volunteer fatigue.
The MADRA website contains a great number of resources including a detailed Recovery Plan that may be of assistance to other communities who have experienced a natural disaster and looking to lead their own recovery. https://www.madrecovery.com/
Grab a cuppa and listen to this positive conversation with some of the locals who helped lead their own recovery.