Disaster Resilience Initiative

Funded training and support for communities affected by, or likely to be affected by, natural disasters, in impacted regions of New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. Funded by the Australian Government's Disaster Ready Fund and NSW Government.

What is Disaster Readiness?

The Disaster Readiness Initiative is a fully funded initiative that supports schools and community organisations in NSW, QLD and VIC that have been impacted by, or are preparing for, natural hazards, disasters and severe weather events.

We help communities strengthen readiness, adaptability and resilience by providing practical training, resources and ongoing support. Staff in eligible organisations and schools are trained to deliver a suite of the Seasons change, grief and loss programs to children, young people and other adults. Staff trained in our programs deliver them with small groups to build social and emotional skills to better navigate life changes, grief, loss and natural disasters. that focuses on the social and emotional impacts of disasters, including change, loss and grief.

The initiative is funded through the Australian Government’s Disaster Ready Fund and the NSW Government.

Who is this for?

  • Staff in primary schools and secondary schools in NSW, QLD and VIC
  • Staff in community organisations supporting children, young people and families in NSW, QLD and VIC
  • Professionals supporting communities impacted by, or preparing for, disasters and severe weather

What you can access (examples)

Support is shaped through consultation and may vary depending on local needs. Examples include:

  • Community sessions and consultations about disaster impacts and social and emotional wellbeing
  • Funded training and implementation support to deliver our Seasons for Growth and Stormbirds (children and young people) program
  • Funded training and implementation support to deliver our Seasons for Growth Adult program
  • Funded training and implementation support to deliver our Seasons for Healing (First Nations adults) program
  • School staff professional learning sessions
  • Resources for parents and carers supporting children and young people
  • Access to our Keeping Spirit Strong resources and cultural support for professionals working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
  • Optional supplementary learning for delivering programs following severe weather events and disasters

The offerings above are examples and will vary between communities depending on specific needs.

Read more about programs included in the funding below:


How it works

  1. Register your interest using the form below.
  2. A staff member will contact you to understand your setting and local needs.
  3. We confirm the most suitable support options and plan delivery with you.

How support is delivered

Following community consultation, we offer funded 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 local capacity by training professionals in schools and community organisations to deliver MacKillop Seasons programs, with ongoing coaching and mentoring from staff.

Where do we provide our support?

MacKillop Seasons is funded to deliver Disaster Resilience across disaster impacted areas in NSW, Queensland and Victoria. Please complete the form below to find out how we can support your local community.


Next step

Register your interest below and we will contact you. Please do not include personal or identifying information about children, students, families or community members in your enquiry.

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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.

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.
 

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.

What is the timeline for the support provided?

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

Stories and Outcomes

All Stories and Outcomes

Meet our Community Resilience Officers

Meet our Community Resilience Officers

Resilience NSW’ ‘Growing Resilient Communities’ (COVID) program offered residents guidance to manage the emotional impact of these disasters.

Read more

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