In recent years the Central Coast has battled through fires, floods and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The cumulative impact of these events has been greater for some than others.
There is no doubt these events have left a heavy toll on many in our community. Experiencing a disaster can be a traumatic and life changing event with lasting impacts on emotional wellbeing.
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.
Connecting communities to build resilience
Thanks to funding from the Commonwealth and NSW State Government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, Central Coast Council has been working with bushfire-impacted communities to support them through recovery.
Creative expression is increasingly recognised as a tool for community recovery after disaster. The evidence shows that when people are more connected to others around them, their resilience improves.
We have worked closely with the bushfire impacted communities to deliver events and programs where community members can come together and share stories of their lived experience
Some events and programs include:
- The Yarn Hub at Mangrove Mountain Café
- Creative Led Recovery Day at Spencer
- Sculptural Installations at Kulnura and Spencer
- Healthy Ageing Workshops
To document this work, we've developed a video which shows how the process of creative practice can not only be an outlet for expression, it can bring people together, build connections and improve belonging and resilience during times of uncertainty.
Resilience Journal for bushfire-impacted communities
Council has also developed a valuable resource to support community members impacted by the devastating bushfires during the summer of 2019-20. This is called the Resilience Journal.
The Resilience Journal includes information, stories and activities to build personal and community 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
- emergency 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 improve upon other areas.
The Resilience Journal will be delivered to households within impacted areas (Mount White, Peats Ridge, Somersby, Kulnura, Wyong Creek, Mangrove Mountain, Yarramalong, Dooralong, Spencer, Charmhaven and Blue Haven). Households seeking more than one copy will also be able to pick up additional copies from shops in the mountains area, Spencer and Yarramalong.
Tools and support for disaster recovery
Council offers a range of resources to support our community members before, during and after an emergency or when disaster strikes. Learn more about the support available:
- Visit our Emergency Preparedness page to learn how to get ready for a disaster and access useful information and resources including our Get Ready Central Coast Guide.
- See live incidents and emergencies data for the Central Coast at our Central Coast Emergency Dashboard.
- If you are feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, anxious, sad or need help during any emergency our Where to find help page provides information on the many health and wellbeing services available to residents across the Central Coast.
- Remember that support is never far away - call Lifeline on 13 11 14 if you are experiencing a personal crisis
This initiative is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and the NSW State Government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
