The Eurobodalla Community Support Network (ECSN) emerged from the recovery efforts following the 2019/2020 bushfires, driven by a shared need for collaboration among local organisations and agencies. Initiated by Von Hutcheson and Bryan Smith, the network grew from a conversation in late 2022 into a space where grassroots groups, service providers and government agencies could connect and share information.
From the outset, ECSN embraced a different approach to meetings, using Art of Hosting principles to create inclusive spaces for dialogue. Sitting in circle rather than around a boardroom table encouraged openness and strengthened relationships.
In late 2024, under the auspice of Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance, ECSN secured FRRR Investing in Rural Community Futures (IRCF) funding for a one-day-a-week coordinator role. This dedicated resource transformed what was possible. In 2025, ECSN focused on three pillars: connect, share, collaborate. The network increased meeting frequency to monthly, extended sessions to 2.75 hours, and saw attendance grow by 63%. Meetings were held in diverse community spaces, introducing participants to venues they hadn’t previously experienced.
ECSN also began collecting data after each meeting to track shifting priorities and connections over time. The network hosted themed sessions on community health in disasters, caring for vulnerable people, social wellbeing, and emergency preparedness – two of which brought together emergency management personnel from all levels of government.
Importantly, conversations extended beyond preparedness to include broader social issues such as transport, First Nations engagement and volunteering, reflecting the network’s role in addressing interconnected community needs.
Additional funding was leveraged, including $1,650 from Fire to Flourish for branding materials, $100,000 from Equity Trustees for 2026–2027, and $20,000 from Volunteers NSW to support volunteerism through workshops and expos.
Coordinator Steph likens the work to mycelium: weaving connections across silos, sharing resources, and tending to the wider ecosystem. “When people regularly gather and practice sharing time, space and power, their connection muscle strengthens – allowing for deeper conversations on complex issues,” she reflects.
ECSN’s journey demonstrates the power of collaboration and the impact of sustained investment in community-led networks.