Welcome to Iluka Community Organisation Planning for Emergencies (ICOPE) Inc.

Photo by Peter Johnson Images

Welcome to Iluka Community Organisation Planning for Emergencies (ICOPE) Inc.

We are delighted to introduce you to ICOPE, your partner in disaster preparedness, community capacity building, and fostering community connectedness.

The creation of ICOPE was born out of the challenging experiences faced by our community during the devastating 2019 bushfires and the subsequent 2022 floods. These events served as a catalyst, motivating community members to come together and take proactive measures to build a more resilient and prepared community.


At ICOPE, our mission is two-fold. First, we strive to empower individuals and families with the knowledge, resources, and skills necessary to effectively respond to and recover from disasters. We firmly believe that preparedness is the key to minimising the impact of emergencies and protecting our loved ones.

Secondly, we focus on community capacity building and connectedness. We understand the strength that lies within a united community, and we actively work towards fostering strong relationships and sustainable links among our residents. By promoting collaboration, communication, and support, we aim to create a tight-knit network that are much better equipped and prepared to meet the challenges that will come our way.


As we embrace the future, we invite you to join us on this journey of resilience and empowerment. Explore our website to discover valuable resources, practical tips, and guidance on disaster preparedness. Learn about our community initiatives, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved. Connect with like-minded individuals and organisations who share our vision of a safer, stronger Iluka.


The ICOPE Team

WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO GET INFORMATION

What to listen for and look out for in times of disaster

  • The Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS) is used at the beginning of serious warnings. SEWS is a wailing siren sound used throughout Australia for serious emergency events.
  • If the caller ID number or message header on your phone displays the number '+61 444 444 444' it is genuine.
  • Emergency Alert voice messages to your landline and text messages to your mobile telephone.
  • Local updates and community safety announcements on radio and television.
  • The Australian Warning System (AWS) which is a national approach to information and warnings during emergencies like bushfire, flood, storm, extreme heat and severe weather. Australian Warning System
  • Download the Hazards Near Me App onto your devices.

Emergency services personnel may doorknock your area to pass on warnings.


Once this advice is given, act immediately, ensure all people in your house are aware of the warning and advice provided, check on neighbours and friends who may need assistance and activate your household Emergency Plan.

Join ICOPE
We can make a difference!

At ICOPE, we believe that together, we can achieve more. By joining us, becoming an ICOPE member, Community-led Resilient Team (CRT) member or volunteering, you become an integral part of our collaborative efforts to build resilience and promote preparedness in Iluka.


Joining ICOPE and the CRTs is easy – simply fill out our online ICOPE Membership Application and/or download and complete the CRT Application below.

Download CRT Application

ICOPE Membership Application

ICOPE’s objectives:

  • To promote future disaster preparedness and encourage an increasingly connected community 
  • To work together with the Red Cross to establish Community-led Resilience Teams (CRTs) in Iluka
  • To identify and establish a temporary community managed evacuation centre under the direction of the Department of Communities and Justice and the Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC)
  • To develop an Inclusive Community Emergency Action Plan that also maps vulnerable people in Iluka. Working in collaboration with the LEMC and Red Cross
  • To improve communication in Iluka before, during and after an emergency and develop a communications network that is reliable during an emergency
  • To network to ensure accurate information sharing before, during and after emergencies
  • To host community events to network, share information and fundraise to increase resilience within Iluka.

ICOPE’s Code of Conduct (CoC)


The purpose of the ICOPE’s Code of Conduct is to set out standards of behaviour expected from its members and volunteers. All potential members and volunteers should ensure they have read and comply with this Code of Conduct before signing the membership form. 


Members should maintain the highest standards of behaviour by:

  • Following ICOPE’s policies and procedures, the Constitution and objectives of ICOPE (as outlined above);
  • Acting and communicating honestly, responsibly, with integrity, and treating others with fairness, equality, dignity and respect in a way that is in line with the purpose and values of ICOPE and that enhances the work of ICOPE;
  • Observing safety procedures, including any obligations concerning the safety, health and welfare of other people and reporting any health and safety concerns;
  • Keeping confidential matters confidential;
  • Seeking authorisation before communicating externally on behalf of ICOPE;
  • Not engaging in any activity that may cause physical or mental harm or distress to another person (such as verbal abuse, physical abuse, assault, bullying, or discrimination or harassment on any grounds but particularly of gender, socio-economic status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or race);
  • Report any alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct to an ICOPE committee member for investigation.

Where a member and/or volunteer is found to be in breach of the standards outlined in this Code of Conduct or any of ICOPE’s other policies and procedures or the Constitution, this may result in the member and/or volunteer’s position being terminated. The ICOPE committee is responsible for ensuring the code of conduct is adhered to.


Contact: icope2466@gmail.com or 0498 219 846 for further information or to return form.

The lifetime membership fee is $5.00 and can be paid in person or by


ICOPE

BSB - 533000

A/C - 02078304

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Volunteering with ICOPE

Volunteering with ICOPE is an excellent way to lend a helping hand and contribute your skills and time to important community initiatives. ICOPE offers various volunteering opportunities, including helping at events and emergency response efforts. Whether you have expertise in logistics, communication, first aid, or simply a passion for helping others, we welcome your support. Click the button below to inquire about volunteering and express your interest.

Volunteer Inquiry

You can also contact an ICOPE member on icope2466@gmail.com to learn more about being a part of ICOPE and making a difference in the Iluka community.

Acknowledgement of Country

ICOPE acknowledges and pays respect to the traditional custodians of the land on which we live, work and serve. We recognise the continuing connection and deep cultural and spiritual significance that the Yaegl people hold for the Iluka area.


We acknowledge the Elders, past, present and emerging, and extend our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in this region. We honour their rich traditions, knowledge systems, and ongoing contributions to the community.


As we navigate our journey towards a safer and more prepared community, we are grateful for the custodianship and stewardship of the land by the Yaegl people.

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