The Six C’s is a multi-award-winning emergency management organisation with more than 40 years of combined, real-world experience.
Our team has worked on the frontline of emergencies, held senior leadership roles in incident control centres, and partnered with governments, councils, businesses, and communities to strengthen emergency preparedness, relief, and recovery.
We deliver practical, evidence-based training and consultancy services led by experienced practitioners who have done the work themselves. Everything we teach is grounded in lived experience — not theory alone.
Committed to excellence, we stay at the forefront of emergency management practice to ensure our clients and communities benefit from current, trusted, and proven approaches.
What sets us apart? We combine the highest level of professionalism with a supportive, engaging, and caring approach—because we believe that how we achieve results is just as important as the results themselves.
Community Emergency Management Planning
In November 2025 our Community Emergency Management Planning (CEMP) program was awarded the Resilient Australian National Business Award. Caitlin Zacharewicz, Manager of Workforce Volunteers and Community at Emergency Management Victoria, presented the award. She said the submissions showed a clear potential for scalability, sustainability, and creative engagement, making them valuable contributions to national resilience efforts.
Click here to learn more about this exciting program.
Open for Enrolment
Services
Wellbeing is our priority
Our organisation prioritises cultural and gender safety, ensuring all participants feel respected and supported. We focus on creating an environment grounded in empathy and safety, where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone is empowered to contribute meaningfully. This approach not only enhances the learning experience but also fosters a deeper connection and trust among participants, making sessions truly inclusive and impactful.
Importantly, our organisation uses a trauma informed approach to our work, acknowledging that an individual is more likely than not to have a history of trauma. By appreciating that discussing disasters may trigger a memory of previous trauma we provide participants with details about the early signs of a triggering event and provide strategies to assist participants experiencing a triggering event.
Expanding Rural Access to Food, Dignity and Connection
The Six C’s Community Cupboards are a simple but powerful grassroots initiative designed to provide free access to food and personal care items 24/7 without the need for registration. Click here to learn more about this initiative.
Our Awards
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Our training is based on having first-hand emergency management experience in a wide variety of roles with emergency response agencies, local government and industry.
Importantly, we have performed all the roles that we teach.
We offer training with a difference. Our training is delivered in a non-threatening environment, where the objective is to share learnings, gain new ideas and develop new approaches in a safe environment that allows you to build your skills and confidence to deliver amazing outcomes for your organisation and the community.
Our training is delivered through reality-based training, simulations, practical scenarios, case studies and problem-based learning where lived experiences are shared to enhance participants learning experience. During our training we share real life experiences, combined with best practice research, to ensure participants are provided with current information, strategies and ideas.
Many professional staff are not involved in disaster management in their day – to – day work. For everybody to contribute effectively in an emergency, it is important to include disaster management in annual training programs and/or organisational professional development.
All our training is delivered by Mat and Sue, two emergency management specialists each with over 15 years practical experience with emergency service response agencies and local government. They received a Resilient Australia Award for their innovative recovery strategy, an LGPro Excellence Award for their multi-agency field exercises and an “Excellence in Emergency Communications” Award from EMPA post the South West Fires.
They have comprehensive first hand experience on the front line and have led teams through a variety of major emergencies. Their knowledge and experience is comprehensively unique where they pride themselves on having successfully performed all the roles they teach.
All our training courses are delivered via reality-based training, simulations, practical scenarios, case studies and problem based learning to support the develop of participants.
The Six C’s Resilient Community program empowers communities by building capability and capacity, that strengthens community resilience to disasters.
The Six C’s Resilient Community Program is made up of a series of unique information sessions or workshops designed as a result of our extensive research and first hand experiences of working with communities before, during and after disasters with sessions facilitated by award winning disaster recovery practitioners.
Mat and Sue have over 40 years experience working on the ground with communities before, during and after disasters and are leaders in developing community-led recovery initiatives. Mat was awarded a National Emergency Medal and Sue a Letter of Commendation following their work with communities after Black Saturday in 2009. In 2018 they received an Australian Resilient Award and an Excellence in Emergency Communication Award from EMPA for their successful recovery strategy “Vantastic” following the South West fires and a National Emergency Medal following the 2019/2020 bushfires.
How to prepare for flood, fire, storm and heat The Disaster Preparedness Information sessions are an all hazards approach that focuses on individual and family preparedness by building capacity and capability to strengthen resilience to disasters.
Our award winning Community Emergency Management Planning (CEMP) Program empowers communities to better prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. By involving local residents, each plan is tailored to the unique needs, strengths, and risks of the community, ensuring practical and effective strategies. This collaborative approach builds resilience, strengthens connections, and fosters a shared sense of responsibility.
In just one day, communities have a complete, ready-to-use Community Emergency Management Plan designed to create stronger and resilient communities before, during and after disasters.
Disaster Planning for Individuals and Families
Having a disaster plan for you and your family offers numerous benefits that can significantly improve your safety, preparedness, and ability to respond effectively during emergencies.
Community Hub Workshop
A hands-on workshop for those looking to establish and run a successful community hub, providing practical skills and real-world experience. Click here for more information.
Empowering communities post disaster
Disasters affect everybody differently. This workshop empowers and enables participants to understand the complexities of recovery and provides them with best practice case studies to assist in planning, coordinating and delivering successful and inclusively diverse recovery outcomes.
Working in the field post disaster
This workshop builds the capacity and capability of volunteers and community groups to safely support the community clean up after a disaster.
Community Disaster Response Plans
This workshop equips communities with a practical, action-oriented plan to follow during disasters. Through interactive discussions and scenario-based exercises, participants identify local risks, map available resources, and establish clear roles and responsibilities for an effective response. The workshop fosters collaboration among community members, emergency services, and local organisations to ensure a coordinated approach when disaster strikes. By the end of the session, communities will have a tailored response plan that enhances preparedness, minimises confusion, and strengthens resilience in times of crisis.
Community Led Disaster Exercises
This session puts the Community Response Plan into action, allowing participants to test and refine their roles in a simulated disaster scenario. Through a hands-on, interactive approach, community members work together to enact their plan, identify gaps, and strengthen coordination with local emergency services. This exercise builds confidence, enhances problem-solving skills, and ensures that the plan is practical and effective. By the end of the session, the community will have a clearer understanding of their response capabilities and be better prepared for real-world emergencies.
Community Leadership
This workshop empowers participants with the skills and knowledge to lead effectively before, during, and after disasters. Through interactive discussions and real-world case studies, participants explore key leadership principles, decision-making under pressure, and strategies for fostering community resilience. The session emphasises the importance of clear communication, collaboration, and adaptability in crisis situations. By the end of the workshop, attendees will be equipped to inspire confidence, coordinate response efforts, and support their community through recovery and rebuilding.
Wellbeing & inclusivity is our priority
Our organisation uses a trauma informed approach to our work acknowledging that an individual is more likely than not to have a history of trauma. Our trauma informed approach upholds the safety, dignity and wellbeing of our staff and clients. It is supported through policies, principles and practices that centre on empathy and safety. Our aim is to do no harm.
Our program delivery prioritises cultural and gender safety, ensuring all participants feel respected and supported. We focus on creating an environment grounded in empathy and safety, where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone is empowered to contribute meaningfully. This approach not only enhances the learning experience but also fosters a deeper connection and trust among participants, making our programs truly inclusive and impactful.
Resilient Community will:
Provide opportunities for participants to share and develop their knowledge around disasters
Develop networks and partnerships
Support the development of self-reliance, preparation and disaster mitigation
Develop and foster new relationships between participants
Increase participants capacity to make realistic plans and develop the skills to carry them out
Increase the confidence in participants strengths and abilities
Develop participants skills in communication and problem solving
Increase participants knowledge and skills
Connect communities because connected communities are proven to be stronger and more resilient communities throughout the recovery phase and better prepared to withstand further shocks
Understand the human, social, physical, natural, financial and political capital within a community before an emergency which will allow communities to use their strengths to lead their own recovery.
Outcomes include:
Increased knowledge of risk
Increased confidence and leadership skills in preparing for, responding to and recovering from disasters
Developed networks and partnerships that will strengthen the communities capacity and capability before, during and after a disaster
Strengthened community resilience and self reliance
"Resilience will not come from physical engineering - instead, it will come from bottom up responses built on local social networks."
Click hereto read our Resilient Community brochure
Excellence in Emergency Communication – 2020 EMPA Awards
Resilient Australia Award – Vantastic
National Emergency Medal
LGPro Highly Commended – Exercise Poldark
Letter of Commendation – Black Saturday
Excellence in Service Quality Award – Virtual Visiting
Finalist in the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Aged Care
Highly Commended in Customer Service
Published Papers
Deans, M & Rondeau, S (2019) ‘Vantastic – Community led recovery initiative’ Australian New Zealand Disaster & Emergency Management Conference, Queensland, National Emergency Response Journal
May 2019 – Emergency Management Conference (EMC), Melbourne
Vantastic – Community led recovery model
May 2019 – North West Metro Region Emergency Management Collaboration, Werribee
Vantastic – Community led recovery model
June 2019 – Australian New Zealand Disaster & Emergency Management Conference, Queensland
Vantastic – Community led recovery model
September 2018 – State Municipal Emergency Management Enhancement Group, Melbourne
Vantastic – Community led recovery model
Mat Deans
Mat Deans is a highly respected and accomplished leader in the field of emergency management, renowned for his authenticity, trustworthiness, and deep commitment to the teams he leads. With over 20 years of combined professional and volunteer experience, Mat has consistently demonstrated his passion and expertise across all phases of emergency management, including mitigation, preparedness, response, relief, and recovery.
Mat’s career is distinguished by his leadership in both employment and volunteer roles, where he has made a significant impact in emergency response and management functions. His extensive background, enriched by his lived experience, has equipped him with a profound understanding of the complexities and challenges that arise during emergencies. Throughout his career, Mat has led teams on the frontline during some of Australia’s most challenging emergencies, where his exceptional leadership and crisis management skills have been crucial. He has played vital roles in Incident Control and Command Centres, ensuring that coordination and response efforts are executed with precision during complex and high-pressure situations. Mat’s expertise extends beyond immediate response; he has also excelled in disaster recovery, providing unwavering support to both teams and communities as they navigate their unique recovery journeys.
Mat is particularly noted for his ability to engage and connect with communities in the aftermath of disasters. His empathetic approach and dedication to community-centred engagement have made a lasting and positive impact on countless lives. This commitment was recognised following the significant South West Fires in Victoria in 2018, where he was jointly awarded the Resilient Australia Award for the innovative “Vantastic” initiative. Additionally, Mat’s excellence in communication during emergencies was honoured with an award from the Emergency Media and Public Affairs (EMPA) organisation. His outstanding contributions to emergency management have earned Mat the National Emergency Management Medal twice: for his sustained and significant service during the Victorian Black Saturday Fires in 2009 and again during the VIC & NSW bushfires in 2019-20. He also received the NSW Premier Bushfire Citation in 2020, further cementing his reputation as a leader of unparalleled dedication and skill.
What truly sets Mat apart is his genuine care for the people he leads and supports. His ability to guide others through crises with compassion, resilience, and kindness has earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and the broader community. As a current CFA Captain and former Deputy Group Officer, Mat has been a trusted senior leader for the majority of his career, inspiring others with his unwavering commitment to excellence in emergency management.
Mat continues to lead with dedication, ensuring that those who work with him are well-equipped and supported to handle any challenge with confidence and resilience. His leadership is not just about managing emergencies; it’s about empowering others to thrive in the face of adversity.
Sue Rondeau
A passionate community advocate, Sue Rondeau has spent the past 20 years working with community, emergency response agencies and local government before, during and after emergencies. Sue has a Master’s in Business, an Advanced Diploma in Emergency Management and a Certificate of Engagement from IAP2.
Sue is an operational firefighter who leads teams across the State in the response to large scale emergencies. She has worked in all levels of emergency management from leading on the ground operational teams to being deployed across the State to perform roles in incident control centres as a Public Information Officer, Community Officer and Media Officer. Whilst at CFA, Sue was involved in reshaping CFA’s community education program following Black Saturday. CFA acknowledged her outstanding work by awarding her a Letter of Commendation.
Sue has worked in recovery for over 10 years working alongside communities following the Grampians Fire, Black Saturday Fire, and, most recently the South West Fires where Sue’s ability to innovate and problem solve enables her to develop unique solutions in challenging situations. Her unique outreach approach to community led recovery was awarded a Resilient Australia Award and an award for “Excellence in Emergency Communication” from EMPA.
Sue’s experience also extends to local government where she consulted for many years. She has performed leadership roles, written emergency management plans, coordinated significant activities to increase capacity and capability of local government and emergency response and recovery agencies. She is instrumental in creating partnerships between response and recovery agencies and Council that provides unique and dynamic outcomes to agencies and the community.
Sue has received many awards for her expertise in the emergency management sector and shares her successful and innovative abilities at international and national emergency management and mental health conferences.
Tony Oxford is a distinguished leader in emergency management, emergency response, and healthcare, with over 40 years of experience. In recognition of his outstanding service to the community, he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) on 26 January 2014, one of the nation’s highest honors.
Tony’s career has been defined by his dedication to emergency response and resilience building. A former Qualified MICA Paramedic, he served as a Group Manager and Emergency Management Planning Coordinator with Ambulance Victoria until 2024. His leadership extends to St John Ambulance, where his ongoing contributions were further recognized in 2025 when he was named a Knight of the Order of St John.
Throughout his career, Tony has provided critical expertise in disaster-affected areas, including deployments to the Queensland Floods, numerous Victorian bushfires and floods, and a three-month mission in Papua New Guinea, where he assisted the local ambulance service in its COVID-19 response. His experience in remote healthcare is equally extensive, having spent over 15 years as a paramedic serving communities in the Northern Territory.
A Fellow of the Australian College of Paramedicine, Tony holds qualifications in Paramedicine, Emergency Management, and Business Management. He is a passionate advocate for collaboration between agencies and communities, believing that resilience and preparedness are key to a sustainable future.
In addition to his emergency management expertise, Tony serves as Board Director and Board Chair of Heywood Rural Health, further demonstrating his commitment to community health and leadership.
The Six C's 