Celebrating community resilience in Bairnsdale

Australian Red Cross and Ford Family Resilience Day

On 26th July, the Bairnsdale community came together for a powerful and uplifting Family Resilience Day, an event that highlighted the strength of community, the importance of preparedness, and the transformative power of strong partnerships.

Proudly hosted by Australian Red Cross in collaboration with Ford Australia and Ford Philanthropy, the day was filled with engaging activities, practical demonstrations, and meaningful connections, all designed to build local resilience in the face of emergencies and disasters.

This event is part of a broader, ongoing partnership between Ford Philanthropy, Ford Australia, and Australian Red Cross to reinforce disaster response, preparedness, and community resilience across Australia.

“We’ve been proud partners with Red Cross globally for 75 years. In Australia, our work together now spans disaster relief, recovery, and prevention — with our people, our vehicles, and our partners all working together to make a real impact.”

- Michael O’Brien, Director of Global Dealer Engagement, Ford Motor Company

Highlights from Family Resilience Day

“The kids loved the fire engines and learning about safety in emergencies. It’s been amazing to see them engaged and confident — it’s experiences like this that stay with families.” - Ashleigh, Bairnsdale local and parent

Interactive demonstrations

Attendees of all ages joined hands-on workshops, from emergency kit demos to the much-loved Prepare with Ted show. Children, families, and seniors alike were entertained and educated with Ted-themed DIY activities — like knitting — and practical lessons in disaster readiness.

Engagement with emergency experts

Community members met directly with emergency service professionals, gaining vital knowledge about personal and household safety, and strategies for preparing for natural disasters.

Connecting with support services

Local residents connected with Australian Red Cross volunteers and local agencies to discover the many ways they can access support, help neighbours, and contribute before, during, and after an emergency.

Family-friendly entertainment

Fire trucks, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles were on full display—giving children the chance to explore, learn, and build familiarity with the people and tools that keep their community safe. Music, food stalls, and sunshine rounded out the family-oriented festival atmosphere.

“This day is about connection—between organisations, emergency services, and the community itself. These partnerships are what make real resilience possible.” - Fyowna, Australian Red Cross Programs Site Manager (Victoria)

Clothing drive success

True to its giving spirit, the Bairnsdale community came out in full force to support Red Cross Shops—filling boxes with quality pre-loved clothes and accessories to aid others in need.

The Power of Collaboration

What made Family Resilience Day truly special was the genuine collaboration between so many stakeholders:

Volunteers and Australian Red Cross personnel

Ford Australia and Ford Philanthropy representatives

Emergency services and first responders

Local government, including East Gippsland Shire Council and its Mayor

Community members of all ages

Special thanks go to Michael O'Brien, Caroline Pernot, John Hatzimanolis from the Ford Motor Company, Ben Dullard and the Peter Dullard Team and our Australian Red Cross champions like Fyowna Norton, Emile Theodorou, Mat Bristow, Mara Patterson, Marion Coulson, Isabella Hill, and the many volunteers who made this day possible.

About the Partnership: Ford and Australian Red Cross United for Resilience

This event was part of a broader, multi-year partnership between Ford Philanthropy, Ford Australia, and Australian Red Cross to reinforce disaster response, preparedness, and community resilience across Australia.

There are three key pillars to the partnership:

1. Disaster Response and Recovery Program

A philanthropic investment supporting year-round disaster readiness, response, and long-term recovery delivered by Australian Red Cross teams on the ground.

2. Community Resilience Programs

A RediCommunities program tailored for the East Gippsland Shire Local Government Area (LGA)
A 1year long community resilience program in the City of Greater Geelong LGA

These initiatives empower high-risk communities with the tools, knowledge, and support to create and implement their own disaster resilience action plans.

3. Fleet of Ford vehicles

Ford Australia are also supporting the partnership with the provision of 7 Ford vehicles. These vehicles enable Australian Red Cross personnel to travel across the country, delivering humanitarian aid and community services wherever they're needed most.

This collaboration builds on a 75-year global partnership between Ford and Red Cross and reflects a shared commitment to ensuring no one is left behind in times of need.

Looking ahead

The partnership between Ford and Australian Red Cross stands as a model for how corporate and community organisations can unite to transform disaster readiness across regions like East Gippsland and Greater Geelong.

Together, we're not only responding to emergencies — we're preparing for them, and empowering communities to take the lead in their own resilience.

Red Cross pays our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander custodians of the country where we work, and to Elders, past, present and emerging.

Learn about our Reconciliation Action Plan and how we can all make reconciliation real.

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