The Riverland community will soon be able to take part in the National Equip Program, a community-based initiative focused on strengthening mental wellbeing and disaster preparedness.

The program will be delivered in Berri on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th May 2026.

Equip helps rural communities prepare for challenges such as fire, flood and drought by building mental fitness, wellbeing and local readiness before a crisis occurs.

A Local Community Advisory Group has been working for more than six months to help shape the Riverland delivery, ensuring the program reflects local experiences and priorities.

Each participant will be asked to complete surveys during the workshop and will be entitled to $50 Local towns gift cards.

Through community workshops, participants will build practical skills to support wellbeing and preparedness, including understanding stress responses, strengthening community support networks, and improving confidence in responding to future extreme weather events.

Equip is led by the University of New England and funded through a $5 million Medical Research Future Fund grant from the Australian Government.