Marlborough Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) is a large and mainly volunteer organisation trained and equipped to respond to a Civil Defence Emergency, or to assist and support other organisations in a major emergency event of any kind.
Where it is apparent that there may be insufficient manpower and resources available to adequately cope in a disaster situation, the Mayor can make a 'Declaration of Civil Defence Emergency'. This will usually follow discussion with a recommendation from the CDEM Controller, Police and other emergency services.
In any significant emergency the Police will usually be the first contact, and in a major event, they will handle the situation until Marlborough CDEM (as in earthquakes, floods, etc) or another appropriate organisation (eg; Rural Fire or Agriquality) takes over the management role.
Following a 'declaration', the CDEM Controller has statutory authority under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002. His primary task is to gather information from around the District to enable him to allocate resources where they are most needed, thus helping the people get back to a normal lifestyle as soon as possible.
Following the 'Boxing Day Fires' in 2000, when the Marlborough Civil Defence Emergency Operations Centre (EOC, previously known as CDHQ) was deployed by the National Rural Fire Management Team with CDEM and Council support for nearly a week, the Council reviewed the shortcomings of the old World War 2 'Delta' army building, and agreed to fund a new EOC, to be located on the same site. After extensive consultation, plans and specifications were prepared and tenders called. Work on the new centre commenced in October and it was offically opened in August 2003.
The new EOC includes the base for an extensive radio communications network to provide for radio communications throughout the district, as well as to CDEM sectors, emergency services, utility organisations and support groups. It is available to any 'lead agency' during an emergency affecting the district, with staff and radio comms support as may be required.
A book titled "One Eyed and Blinkered" was published (July 2001) by the Darcy Christopher Foundation Civil Defence Trust, and can be purchased from local bookshops or direct from Marlborough CDEM. This book covers the 40 years of Civil Defence in Marlborough, and has 204 pages with many coloured and black and white photos. It includes a definitive chapter on the 1983 floods and the management of the 2000 "Boxing Day Fires".
Marlborough CDEM is always looking for competent volunteers, and in particular we are presently seeking radio operators and Sector staff. Appropriate training will be given. Persons in the 15 - 25 year age group could join the CD Youth Emergency Team which meets weekly at the EOC.
Marlborough Civil Defence Emergency Management can be contacted on +64 (0)3 520 7490 (24 hours).
