Bloc Solutions is a small business, which provides specialist guidance for communities and organisations to better connect and work together in different ways – before, during and after emergencies.
This is an emergent space where communities can seek different types and levels of support from other communities and supporting organisations, to take the lead in becoming safer and more resilient now and in the future. These processes can become very complex and a suitably experienced and independent facilitator and/or advocate may be needed to collaboratively develop, implement and review innovative approaches toward working together.
Bloc Solutions specialises in this area to enable diverse communities, government, agencies, businesses, industries, non-government organisations (NGOs) and the not-for-profit (NFP) sector to connect, build relationships and learn from one another to collaboratively work through community-led approaches.
Tell us the story, your story, of how you came to be working in this area?
The recent development of Bloc Solutions builds upon my upbringing and career in integrating natural resource management and emergency management, where I have worked and volunteered with communities and supporting organisations in some capacity for most of my life.
Over the past 25 years, I have dedicated much of my time toward enabling people to come together and better understand the social, economic, built and natural values and systems that support us all to function and survive as communities. During this time these values have continued to be influenced by long-term chronic stressors (e.g. drought), acute shocks (such as bushfires, floods and severe storms) to include emergencies (where these events can create/have created an imminent threat) to people, what they value, and their local and broader support systems.
What was your “lightbulb moment”? The moment you realised that Bloc Solutions would be your footprint on the world?
Unfortunately, we are now facing more frequent, intense and overlapping stressors, shocks and emergencies in Australia and around the world.
The global pandemic and recent bushfires, floods and storms – compounded by dynamic weather patterns and changing climate, all demonstrate the need for new and innovative approaches to build safer and more resilient communities. This must also now occur while concurrently preparing, responding and recovering from more complex and extreme emergencies.
These issues and emergent approaches are now recognised by the emergency management sector and government, but cannot be achieved by organisations alone.
‘The opportunity’ is for communities to take the lead and work together with other communities and supporting organisations to build a safer and more resilient future. To be successful, this must be achieved by adapting and leading potential transformational change, without building greater dependencies and a potential over-reliance upon emergency response agencies and additional government support.
Everybody has something they love; what do you love about your ‘job’?
This job provides enormous challenges and significant opportunities to lead and facilitate change.
My love of working with people to understand different perspectives, identify problems, and learn from each other to collaboratively solve complex problems also means that we can work together to overcome unforeseen issues in the future.
What do you find is the main reason that keeps you getting up every morning, heading out the door, and off to work?
Every morning I am woken by our two dogs to go to the beach for an early walk, surf or swim.
This has been a daily ritual with a number of our local surfers and community members who all understand the need to be fit, happy and healthy while maintaining connections with people and the natural environment. This of course is supported by good coffee and conversation, to clear the mind and be ready to tackle the personal and professional challenges that each day brings.
Tell us your secret… What are some of the little joys that you bring to your communities and supporting organisations that have entrusted you to help them better connect and work together in their community?
Taking the time to develop connections and build entrusted relationships is key to being part of a community and to lead and participate in community-based work.
As with all relationships, it takes time to earn people’s trust and respect, which must be held dearly as it can always be easily lost.
If we were to spend a day in your shoes – what would that look like?
Nearly every day has an early start with a trip to the beach and coffee shop, followed by emails and phone calls to remain connected and keep things moving.
Discussions and negotiations throughout the day can include community members, researchers, CEO’s and staff of supporting organisations, local government, emergency response agencies, philanthropic trusts and other funding providers. There may also be opportunities to design, facilitate or review tailored processes and workshops which may be online or in person at different locations throughout Australia.
There are also the usual processes to send invoices and pay bills, fortunately with the support of advanced accounting systems and the people at Canny Group.
What do you consider a good day at work for you?
A good day for me includes both paid and voluntary work with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures and experiences.
This includes connecting and working with people to design, implement and review tailored processes and activities – including simulations and scenarios – where individuals, communities and organisations can connect, build relationships and respectfully challenge each other to lead and influence change for a more sustainable future.
Tell us about what you do that sets you apart from the rest?
Working collaboratively in a niche market allows me to use my skills, experience and networks which have been developed over many years. This includes working with people at the grassroots level, right through to some of the most senior people in positions of power, who are all genuinely interested in making a difference together with communities.
Every business needs an adviser… Who do you turn to for help at Canny Group and with so many accountants Geelong has on offer, why Canny Group?
Canny Group was recommended to me by a trusted friend and colleague while I was in the process of establishing a new business. Since then my family and I have engaged and received outstanding support from the management and staff to better manage our personal and business needs.
What kind of support have you received from Canny Group since joining forces with them as your accountant?
Canny Group have provided outstanding support toward managing our personal and professional accounting, taxation, financial planning and legal matters.
How do we get in contact with you to have a chat about your services?
Steve Cameron, Director
Bloc Solutions
Ph: 0409 160 571
Email: stevecameron@blocsolutions.org
Pictured: A week learning about Earthquakes and Tsunamis with school students at the Pacific Tsunami Museum in Hilo, Hawaii. With thanks to Dr Walter Dudley & Cindi Preller (featured).