On December 19th 2015, a bushfire started on a forty-degree day. It affected Scotsburn and the surrounding community near Ballarat. The fire destroyed 12 homes, over 4000 hectares of bush and farming land, native and farm animals, fracturing lives. In response to the fire affected community, Emergency Management Victoria’s National Disaster Resilience Grants Scheme, Moorabool Shire Council and the City of Ballarat provided funding for ‘The Scotsburn Community Leadership Program’. The program, of three months duration, aimed to build the capacity of participants to become leaders within their local neighbourhoods, acting as community mentors, to promote wellbeing and connectedness. As participants of the program, Monash University’s Accident Research Centre wanted to look forward, building hope and resilience to assist in the healing process of the community at large. They took inspiration from the ‘Fire Game’ produced by the Surf Coast Shire. Board games have universal appeal and provide a great way to educate while having fun. They produced a vibrant board game with content specific to the Scotsburn area, highlighting photographic game cards, both pre and post bushfire. The target audience focuses on Primary aged children, from grades 4-6. However, it is appropriate for any age group above this demographic.
Check it out here:
https://www.monash.edu/muarc/research/research-areas/home-and-community/disaster-resilience/compendium-case-studies/scotsburn-fire-game-be-prepared