ABSTRACT
This chapter draws attention to the complexity of the idea of 'community' as locality. Attention was drawn to the importance of network building in promoting and encouraging a sense of identification with particular localities. The chapter explores the complex relations that can emerge where old established communities are presented with newcomers, or indeed in the case of seaside resorts, a sudden seasonal influx of people, often from distant urban settings. These complex social settings provide the context for the ways in which people may understand, prepare or indeed respond to disaster events such as bushfire. The chapter reaffirms the view that 'community' is defined in a range of ways by residents and others, often for specific purposes. The tendency to understand community in terms of commonalities has been criticised for overlooking differences and inequalities. The dilemma in relation to policy development and practice is to recognise such variation of understanding and experience.
