Canopy Communities

Be part of the change. Empower your community to tackle future challenges together.
Register your Canopy Community

Our Goal: 500

Canopy Communities by 2030

Together we are the difference for a stronger, future-ready Australia!

‍There's already Canopy Communities all over Australia.

Communities know best

Take charge of finding solutions that fit your unique challenges.

It all begins with a resilience-building journey - uniting individuals and organisations in the community to co-create shared visions and initiatives that will help to withstand and recover from challenges.

Create your own story

Create your own story

You’re given a blank page to write your community’s own story, equipped with the skills and support to unlock a pathway to resilience and taking charge.

Then it's time to take action – and make meaningful change.

You’re not alone

You’ll follow a community-led approach to co-create shared goals and actionable plans.  This process is typically led by a Resilience Canopy trained Practitioner.  We are currently building our network of Practitioners – find out how you can become a Practitioner and support your chosen community on its journey.

Our supportive network also provides financial assistance and resources to bring your vision to life.

As you progress, you’ll build connections and wisdom to navigate any challenges ahead.

Create your own story
Create your own story

What to expect

Becoming a Canopy Community puts power to find solutions to your challenges back in your own hands. Here’s what to expect:

  • Onboarding: Meet with our team for a deeper introduction to the program. Together, we’ll assess how to best support your community on its journey and explore the next steps toward activation.
  • Training and Networking: Participate in training and join the Canopy Collective network, where you can connect with other communities, share experiences, and receive mentorship from our team.
  • Resource Access and Support: Utilise our systems to track your community’s progress, access funding opportunities, and find tools to navigate the six-step process.
  • Partnership Development: Build connections with businesses, government, and other partners to secure support and maximise your community’s outcomes.

Is your community ready?

We’re looking for communities eager to deepen social connections and be better prepared for what the future brings.

Being ready means your community is keen to self-organise its resilience journey using the Six-Step Model. Whether you’re building on past successes or starting new, this approach empowers you to take proactive steps toward a stronger future.

Here are some key indicators of readiness:

  • A Committed Group: Having a team of individuals representing diverse perspectives within the community, all motivated to drive the process forward.
  • Recovery Journey: Recognise that each community’s recovery from a past disaster is unique. Consider the situation before moving forward.
  • Value adding: Ensure there are no competing programs occurring in your community. We aim to amplify efforts, not duplicate them.

Open to all Australian communities

It’s free to join * (Costs may apply for Practitioner training.)

How to get started

Whether you’re a trained Practitioner with a community in mind or a representative just beginning to explore the possibilities, anyone can register a community to join.

We’ll work together to assess how best to support your community on its journey.

Take the first step! Express your interest to become a Canopy Community.

Register your Canopy Community
How to get started
Check out TheResilienceCanopy on Youtube

Resilience in action

Hear the stories from communities already on the journey...

The Millgrove Story

The Millgrove community in Victoria’s Yarra Valley is just one community using the Six Step Future Ready Communities Model to success. ​

With a little support to guide them through the engagement process, Millgrove turned their own ideas about a stronger future, into key plan of activities and actions. Their big thinking projects have now sparked interest from philanthropic and corporate organisations keen to support

View the Community Plan

At the heart of Community-led resilience....

...are 5 core principles that pave the way to success as a Canopy Community

CREW

Connections, Respect, Empowerment and Wisdom

Building these characteristics fosters a vibrant and supportive community culture where everyone can thrive.

Training

Empowerment through learning

Building capacity is essential for community growth. We offer resources and mentoring to equip members with the skills they need to navigate challenges effectively. This investment in learning helps build confidence and capability within the community.

Together

Collaboration is key

A Canopy Community is about coming together. By working collaboratively, community members build their collective wisdom, creating a stronger foundation to ‘bounce back’ from challenges. Everyone’s voice matters, and together we can achieve more.

Six-Step Model

A structured pathway to progress

Our Six-Step Model provides a clear community-led approach for identifying and prioritising resilience priorities and actions. Through this process, communities can set meaningful goals tailored to their unique needs and aspirations. It’s all about empowering you to take charge of your future.

Community-Led

Your Community, Your Journey

A Canopy Community is guided by its members. With support from trained Resilience Canopy Practitioners, communities lead their resilience journey. This grassroots approach ensures that initiatives reflect the values and priorities of the community.

Access funding to support

Our mission as a charity is to reduce social vulnerability and build community capacity in at-risk communities across Australia.

We provide financial support to those most in need, helping them avoid further challenges and strengthen their resilience.

Learn more about...

Activation Grants
How to get started

Frequently Asked Questions

How do the Training and Canopy Community pathways differ?
Registering to Become a Canopy Community
Registering to become a Canopy Community means your community is formally joining the Canopy network to begin its journey towards activation. This involves committing to the Six-Step process and engaging with the broader Canopy resources, including mentorship, grants, and networking opportunities. It’s a collective commitment from a 'ready' community to work together to assess needs, build capacity, and take action toward a more resilient future.
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Registering for Training
When you register for the Resilience Practitioner Training, you are signing up to gain the knowledge and skills needed to guide your community through the resilience-building process. This training equips you with the tools to facilitate the Six-Step Model and provide support to your community. It’s an individual commitment to developing the capacity to lead and support the community's resilience journey.
What information do I need to provide to support my registration of interest?
You’ll need a preliminary overview of your community’s social profile and demographics, a list of initial connections to potential leaders and participants, and an assessment of perceived strengths and weaknesses within the community.
Does the Canopy support all communities or only 'At Risk' communities?
As hazards become more frequent, all communities in Australia need support to build resilience for future challenges. The program aims to strengthen and connect ALL Australian communities. Our primary focus is on those at greater risk of disaster or facing social stresses that complicate recovery.  Communities experiencing houselessness, poverty, domestic violence, and disabilities, as well as First Nations communities, are particularly vulnerable to shocks and chronic stresses. Our mission as a Charity is to reduce social vulnerability and build community capacity in these challenged, at-risk communities across Australia.
Do you need a trained Practitioner to become a Canopy Community?
No, but having one will enhance your results and access to support. Training builds the capacity needed for long-term success.
How long does the resilience-building process take?
The Resilience Canopy process is a long-term journey. For some communities, the six-step engagement process can take two years or more. Ongoing relationships within the community and with partners should be nurtured to ensure they are enduring. This prepares the community to be challenge-ready.
How do you know when a community is resilient?
There’s no defined endpoint for communities adapting to disasters or stresses, as they continually evolve with new residents and shifting economic conditions.  A resilient community embodies the CREW characteristics of:
  • Connections
  • Respect
  • Empowerment
  • Wisdom
Collaboration with local partners, including residents, community organisations, and agencies, enables communities to identify and mitigate changing risks effectively.