The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) purchased a substantial ‘Base Camp’ cache a number of years ago which is typically used to accommodate and allow firefighters to remain self-sufficient in remote areas. The equipment is housed and maintained at the State Mitigation Support Services warehouse in western Sydney.

This facility was used to accommodate residents affected by flooding in south-west New South Wales in March 2012. This was the first time the cache was used as a community evacuation centre.

In February 2015, Tropical Cyclone Lam formed in the Coral Sea and moved into the Gulf of Carpentaria where it strengthened to a Category 4 system on the 19 February. This system was the strongest since Tropical Cyclone Monica in 2006. It made landfall in the Northern Territory between Elcho Island and Millingimbi, approximately 300 kilometres east of Darwin. The cyclone damaged infrastructure and destroyed many homes across the region in its path.

Having sought advice from Emergency Management Australia, the Northern Territory Government formally requested the NSWRFS to provide temporary emergency accommodation for up to 300 residents on Elcho Island. Following assessment and transportation of the equipment, the facility was established by the NSWRFS with the assistance of the Northern Territory Fire & Rescue Service. The facility remained fully operational for three and a half months until permanent housing arrangements were made.

This presentation will discuss the planning phase, logistical challenges experienced and the community engagement process during establishment of the facility.