Disaster Readiness

Mackillop Seasons received funding through the Australian Government's Disaster Ready Fund and from the NSW Government for the Stormbirds Disaster Readiness Initiative. The Initiative supports communities affected by severe weather events and natural disasters. Our dedicated team of Resilience Officers works with schools and communities in impacted regions of NSW, Queensland and Victoria.

How do we support impacted communities?

The Resilience team supports communities to increase readiness, adaptability and resilience to natural disasters, with fully funded, change, loss and grief evidence-based programs and resources. We work alongside school staff, community services professionals and leaders, first responders, wellbeing staff and counsellors, and trained Seasons for Growth and Stormbirds Companions.

Through consultation and the suite of MacKillop Seasons education programs, we connect with and assist communities to identify and understand the impacts of change, loss and grief following severe weather events and natural disasters. Resilience Officers appreciate the individual and ongoing concerns that follow natural disasters and provide support through learning and education to strengthen future adaptive capacity.

What are the Stormbirds Disaster Readiness offerings?

  • Community sessions and consultations around the impact of severe weather events and natural disasters on social and emotional wellbeing.
  • Seasons for Growth and Stormbirds program training and implementation support (children and young people).
  • Optional Supplementary Learning to depth the knowledge of program facilitators regarding the community impacts of severe weather events and disasters.
  • Seasons for Growth Adult program training and implementation support.
  • Seasons for Healing program training and implementation support for First Nations communities.
  • School Staff Professional Learning Sessions.
  • Resources to help parents/carers support their children.
  • Keeping Spirit Strong resources to build cultural knowledge, confidence and skills.
  • Stakeholder engagement briefings.
The offerings above are examples and will vary between communities depending on specific needs.

How are the Stormbirds Disaster Readiness offerings delivered?

Following community consultation, we support recovery by offering training, workshops and group sessions to strengthen the capacity of children, young people and adults, to understand and respond well to change, loss and grief. We build community capacity and networks by training local professionals and community members in the MacKillop Seasons programs to support and sustain local facilitation of workshops and programs. Resilience Officers provide ongoing support and coaching in response to each community's unique needs.

Where do we provide our support?

MacKillop Seasons is funded to deliver Disaster Readiness across disaster impacted areas in NSW, Queensland and Victoria. Please email us at resilience@mackillop.org.au to find out how we can support your local community.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I access support through this initiative?

Seasons Resilience Officers will discuss the needs of your school or community through consultation. Please Email resilience@mackillop.org.au and a Seasons Resilience Officer in your region will be in touch.

What is the timeline for the support provided?

Support is available in NSW, Queensland and Victoria until June 2027.

What are the benefits of engaging in the initiative?

The training and educational support provided through the initiative increases understanding of individual and shared change and loss experiences from the impact of natural disasters for children and others. By building networks and community connections, space is provided for children and young people to acknowledge that they are 'not the only one' and feel a sense of belonging at school and in their communities.

Are the Resilience Officers available to deliver professional learning and parent sessions?

Resilience Officers are equipped to deliver sessions for professionals and carers to build knowledge and capacity in order to strengthen their ability to support the wellbeing of children and young people.

What other resources are available to support my community following a natural disaster?

MacKillop Seasons have developed numerous factsheets to support adults to care for their children, young people, and wider community following natural disasters. Our factsheets are developed from evidence in collaboration with the Centre for Children and Young People at Southern Cross University. Factsheets and other resources can be accessed on our Resources page.
 

Stories and Outcomes

All Stories and Outcomes

Support for disaster resilience

Support for disaster resilience

Partyline Article Issue 92 highlights our work supporting recovery and resilience through grief education programs.

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Seasons for Growth assists Cessnock West Public school's recovery.

Seasons for Growth assists Cessnock West Public school's recovery.

Additional wellbeing support for NSW bush-fire impacted schools

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Bringing people together to navigate grief and mobilise hope

Bringing people together to navigate grief and mobilise hope

Healthy North Coast Community Wellbeing and Resilience Flood Recovery Grant

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It is vital that we are responsive to ‘felt needs’, not ‘perceived needs’, and I was particularly impressed with your work based on needs analysis to help us all navigate the way forward. The Community Sessions you are seeding are a positive step in that direction and I am sure will bear much fruit.

Janice, Batemans Bay Community

Get in touch with us to find out more

Please Email resilience@mackillop.org.au