In recent years the Central Coast has battled through fires, floods and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
While emergencies and disasters are difficult to predict or control, our ability to adapt and respond to these experiences is something that we - as individuals and as a community - can actively work to develop. This is known as building resilience.
We have developed a valuable resource to support community members impacted by natural disaster, specifically the devastating bushfires that affected the region in the summer of 2019-20.
The Resilience Journal includes information, stories and activities to build your own and your communities' resilience. It acts as a 'one-stop-shop' of knowledge, resources and self-reflection, covering topics such as:
- how and when to access mental health support
- self-care resources
- self-assessment tools
- journaling activities
- mergency preparedness.
Journaling is an important tool for building resilience as it encourages people to slow down, look at what their strengths are and how they can build other areas.
Connecting communities to build resilience
The Resilience Journal is just one outcome of the work that Council is doing to support disaster-impacted communities.
While there is no single pathway or solution that leads to enhanced resilience, actively engaging with communities, supporting local ideas and existing structures and facilitating opportunities are all steps that can lead to more connected communities. A connected community is a resilient community.
We have worked closely with impacted communities to identify opportunities and deliver a range of events and programs where community members can engage and connect, including:
- The Yarn Hub at Mangrove Mountain Café
- Creative Led Recovery Day at Spencer
- Sculptural Installations at Kulnura, Mangrove Mountain and Spencer
- Healthy Ageing Workshops
- Mental Health First Training
This initiative is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and the NSW State Government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Learn more about emergency readiness and resilience
