Allianz will expand its partnership with volunteer non-profit group Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) to help provide a series of future resilience events for communities recently impacted by disasters.

The insurer says the bolstered collaboration will host several all-day events aimed at delivering information and listening to contributions from residents to help prepare readiness for natural catastrophes.

As part of the sessions, the DRA will incorporate its Big Map initiative, creating a giant-sized floor map of profiled communities to showcase areas with heightened flooding and fire risk and explore how towns can build better resilience. The DRA will also provide training sessions for local volunteers in preparation for future events. 

Allianz says it will provide insurance advice to residents to help them understand what to expect when making a claim in the aftermath of a disaster.

Allianz Australia Corporate Governance and Sustainability GM Sema Whittle says the partnership aims to arm communities with critical information and protections against the risks of extreme weather. 

“As natural disasters continue to occur more frequently and on a larger scale, it’s important that we support communities to come together to better understand the local environment and to identify ways to mitigate and reduce disaster risk,” Ms Whittle said.

“Disaster Relief Australia’s work is crucial in helping at-risk communities prepare for extreme weather events.”

DRA National Resilience Manager Adam Moss says the partnership with Allianz will help contribute to the DRA’s “Project Resilience” initiative, which aims to prepare at least 34 vulnerable communities against disaster risks by 2025. 

“Effective flood management, mitigation and preparedness help a community build resilience, which is why initiatives like the Big Map are essential for Australia’s changing landscape.

“Insurers have a pivotal role to play in assisting communities to mitigate the impact of natural disasters, and delivering our sessions in partnership with Allianz will provide even greater value to the community.”

The first co-hosted community session is being held in the NSW Mid-North Coast town Kempsey today, with four more events planned for later this year and next year.