In commenting on the multiple crises Australian children have endured over the past couple of years, in December 2021 UNICEF Australia CEO, Tony Stuart said recovery from such events (flooding, bushfires, COVID) would be a “long and difficult journey” for many.
Research tells us that children are particularly vulnerable to the trauma of natural disasters, with potential to influence the trajectory of their lives, negatively impacting education, employment and psychosocial outcomes immediately and over the longer term.
The heart of MacKillop’s work lies in creating trauma-informed communities that build environments where people cope effectively with stress and trauma and heal their emotional and behavioural health. MacKillop has been working with disaster impacted communities for many years, supporting those impacted by floods (2011), bushfires (2019/20), cyclones (2021/22) and monsoons (2019). This work continues as we support communities with the Stormbirds natural disaster program supporting children and young people to respond and recover.
The program has consistently been reported as a useful screening tool in referring children and young people for additional interventions and as the winning entry in the 2022 NSW category of the Resilient Australia Awards for projects focusing on the mental health and wellbeing of Australian communities before, during and after a disaster.
Working in and alongside communities in NSW and Victoria impacted by natural disasters has enabled us to offer the most responsive support in an everchanging situation. This workshop will share the journey undertaken adapting to emerging needs in an uncertain landscape.
Best practice in supporting students means supporting their family members and the professionals involved in their care. Join us to hear about and experience the creative ways that we have responded to needs.