Abernyte Community Resilience Group (ACRG)
(A sub-committee of the Abernyte Community Interest Company)

Our mission is to foster community resilience in the face of climate change by proactively preparing for localised flooding, power cuts, high winds, and other emergencies. We aim to empower residents through education, resources, and collaboration, ultimately ensuring a united and adaptive community that can effectively navigate and recover from challenges while preserving our village's unique character and environment.
The Abernyte Community Resilience Strategy can be viewed as being made up of three elements:
• Awareness by individuals of the risks which may affect them or their community and what they can do to prepare for, respond to and recover from them if they happen
• Assets (including resources, skills and networks) which exist at individual, community and intra-community levels
• Willingness to Act – a motivation and confidence that translates awareness and assets into action to help build resilience and also foster the community spirit.

The ACRG shall look to securing funding from the Perth and Kinross council Resilience budget to invest in equipment, infrastructure improvements, and community workshops/training.
The ACRG welcomes all members of the community to attend meetings and provide input and direction, with meetings will be organised and facilitated by ACiC board members.

Abernyte Community Resilience Group Strategy

Abernyte Community Resilience Group Strategy

  1. Assess Vulnerabilities and Resources


• Conduct a Community Risk Assessment: Identify specific risks related to flooding, power outages, and extreme weather events.
• Map Local Assets: Inventory community resources, including shelters, emergency supplies, and key personnel with relevant skills.

  1. Develop an Emergency Response Plan


• Establish Communication Channels: Set up a community alert system (e.g., text alerts, WhatsApp groups) to disseminate information quickly.
• Designate Emergency Roles: Identify volunteers for specific roles during an emergency (e.g., first aid, logistics, communications).

  1. Strengthen Community Connections


• Foster Local Networks: Encourage neighbour-to-neighbour communication and support systems.
• Engage Local Organisations: Partner with schools, businesses, and P&K Council to broaden community involvement.

  1. Enhance Infrastructure Resilience


• Advocate for Sustainable Practices: Promote green infrastructure solutions, such as rain gardens and water butt use, river bank maintenance.

  1. Monitor and Evaluate


• Regularly Review Plans: Conduct biannual evaluations of the resilience strategy to incorporate lessons learned and adapt to new challenges.
• Gather Community Feedback: Use surveys and community meetings to assess the effectiveness of initiatives and identify areas for improvement.

  1. Promote Sustainability


• Encourage Eco-Friendly Practices: Advocate for renewable energy sources and sustainable land use within the community.
• Support Local Agriculture: Foster community gardens and local food networks to reduce dependence on external resources.

  1. Secure Funding and Resources


• Identify Grants and Funding Opportunities: Research local and national funding sources to support resilience projects.
• Organise Fundraising Events: Plan community events to raise funds and awareness for resilience initiatives.
By implementing this strategy, the community can enhance its resilience to the impacts of global warming while fostering a strong, connected, and proactive village.