Multicultural community leaders across Victoria are calling for a more inclusive approach to emergency preparedness, warning that many migrants and refugees continue to struggle with understanding critical warnings and emergency information during natural disasters such as bushfires and floods. The concerns come as emergency agencies work to improve communication strategies in increasingly diverse communities.
The issue was highlighted by members of multicultural organisations in Gippsland, where community advocates say translated emergency information alone is often insufficient. Many newcomers to Australia arrive with little understanding of local hazards such as bushfires, which can behave very differently from disasters experienced in their countries of origin. Community leaders argue that emergency preparedness requires more than translated pamphlets and websites—it requires local context, education and trusted relationships.
Somali-born community worker Koos Ali said her experiences growing up in East Africa did not prepare her for the reality of Australian bushfires. She explained that while communities affected by war or drought often develop survival strategies, Australian emergencies present different challenges that require specialised knowledge and preparation. Her understanding of bushfire risks only became real after witnessing colleagues being forced to evacuate during the Black Summer fires.
Another challenge identified by community advocates is the complexity of official emergency terminology. Kate Allen from Gippsland Multicultural Services said warning phrases such as "Watch and Act" may be familiar to long-term Australian residents but can be confusing for people who have recently arrived in the country. Without understanding the practical actions required, some residents may not respond appropriately during an emergency.
Community leaders also point to a deeper issue: trust. Many migrants and refugees come from countries where interactions with government authorities have been associated with conflict, corruption or persecution. As a result, some individuals may be reluctant to immediately trust official warnings or instructions issued by government agencies. Building trust requires ongoing engagement and relationship-building long before disasters occur.
To address these challenges, organisations such as the Gippsland Multicultural Regional Emergency Management Network and the Multicultural Emergency Management Partnership have been working to connect emergency services with culturally and linguistically diverse communities. These initiatives focus on creating two-way communication channels and ensuring emergency information is both accessible and culturally relevant.
Emergency Management Victoria, the Country Fire Authority (CFA), Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police say they are actively working with multicultural communities through translated resources, liaison officers and community engagement programs. Officials acknowledge that effective emergency communication requires more than simply translating information; it also involves understanding cultural backgrounds and building trust through regular contact.
Experts say Australia's increasingly diverse population makes inclusive emergency planning more important than ever. With climate change contributing to more frequent and severe natural disasters, ensuring all communities understand emergency warnings and preparedness measures is becoming a critical public safety priority. Community leaders believe the most effective approach combines multilingual information with strong local relationships, practical education and culturally appropriate engagement strategies.
