GoPack! emergency preparedness bags available for NDIS participants
Published on 18 June 2026
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants living in the Gannawarra Shire are benefiting from coordinated efforts to prepare residents for future emergencies.
Gannawarra Shire Council is partnering with Northern District Community Health, neighbourhood houses in Kerang, Cohuna and Quambatook, Vivid and Community Living & Respite Services (CLRS) to distribute free Go Pack! emergency preparedness bags to eligible residents.
Developed by Bendigo Health’s Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit, Campaspe Shire Council, Vivid and CLRS, the bright green bags can store important items residents may require when leaving their home during times of emergency.
“People with disability experience greater risks to their safety and health during emergencies and natural disasters compared to the general population,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.
“Designed by participants and carers/support people from Vivid and CLRS, the Go Pack! helps NDIS participants and their carers living throughout the region to prepare for an emergency.
“The Go Pack! Is bright green to remind participants to Go! in an emergency. Just like a green traffic light means go for a car, the bag is called a Go Pack! because that is what it means.”
Each Go Pack! features a ‘First 72 hours’ flyer, an emergency plan work sheet, and instructions to help participants to get ready for an emergency before it happens. A check-list fridge magnet and water bottle funded by Gannawarra Shire Council have been added to the Go Packs! for Gannawarra residents. The bag encourages participants to add other items such as important documents, medication, mobile devices and chargers, toiletries, torch, personal care items, and some packaged food.
Go Packs! are available from the following locations across Gannawarra Shire:
- Cohuna Neighbourhood House.
- Gannawarra Shire Council’s Kerang Customer Service Centre.
- Kerang Neighbourhood House.
- Northern District Community Health’s offices at Cohuna and Kerang
- Quambatook Community Resource Centre.
“Council thanks the Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit, Campaspe Shire Council, Vivid and CLRS for working with Council and local partners to develop this initiative, which will be valuable for local NDIS participants in preparing for a future emergency,” Mr Rollinson said.
TOP: Gannawarra Shire Council Grant and Community Support Officer, Sharon McCalman (second from right) joined Northern District Community Health NDIS Support Coordination Team Leader, Emily Mathiske (left), and team members Kellie Crellin and Taylah Collier in promoting the Go Pack! initiative.