Climate driven disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity across Australia, with disproportionate and cumulative impacts on rural, regional and First Nations communities. While disaster response systems focus heavily on immediate relief, far less attention is given to strengthening psychological preparedness before disasters and supporting the long tail of recovery through culturally grounded, community led approaches.
This presentation explores the Stormbirds Disaster Resilience Initiative, a multi jurisdictional program delivered across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, which builds disaster readiness and recovery capacity in schools and communities through evidence based social and emotional learning. Grounded in over 30 years of practice through the Seasons for Growth suite, Stormbirds Disaster Resilience Initiative positions disaster not as a single event but as a life transition involving change, loss and adaptation, requiring support across the full disaster lifecycle. The initiative strengthens local capability by training educators and community professionals to deliver small group programs for children, young people and adults, complemented by place based coaching from dedicated resilience officers.
A central focus of the presentation is Seasons for Healing, a culturally responsive program embedded within Stormbirds Disaster Resilience Initiative that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults to attend well to disaster related grief and loss. Delivered through small, peer based groups and co facilitated by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander companions, Seasons for Healing centres culture, story, connection to Country and collective healing as protective factors in long term recovery. The program aligns with national First Nations healing frameworks, strengthening social and emotional wellbeing, cultural identity and community resilience.
Drawing on implementation insights from disaster affected communities, this presentation highlights how preparedness, response and recovery are interdependent, and how investing in cultural safety, emotional literacy and local leadership prior to disasters improves outcomes long after emergency systems withdraw.