Media Release: Helping outback kids through disasters
Outback forums to better support kids in disasters
Outback Futures and Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership (TQKP) are delivering forums in five Central Western Queensland communities to equip families, practitioners, educators and local leaders with the tools needed to better support kids in disasters.
As outback communities continue to recover from widespread flooding, many families have worries about the long term impacts of disaster events on kids and are considering what this means for them as Queensland’s next disaster season looms.
Babies, children and young people are particularly vulnerable to disaster impacts due to their age, developmental stage and reliance on those around them for support and safety.
“Knowing what to do and say to help kids feel safe and empowered in disasters can be tricky. Outback kids and families are no strangers to wild weather, but equipping them with practical knowledge can give people the confidence to know what to do and where they can find support.” says Jacinta Perry, Principal Partnership Manager of the Thriving Kids in Disasters initiative at TQKP.
“These forums are a chance for local people to share their experiences and ideas about what is needed to make sure the needs of kids and families are well incorporated into local disaster planning and responses,” she added.
The landmark forums will provide local families, communities and service providers with practical strategies and resources backed by current child development science to best support kids before, during and after disasters. The events will also provide communities with the chance to have their say on how disaster systems can be improved for babies, children, young people and families.
“We’ve supported so many communities through disaster and critical incidents where people are unsure of what’s best for children. This initiative is all about putting best practice information in the hands of parents and stakeholders so they can confidently support their children,” says Brent Sweeney from Outback Futures.
Details are below. Media are welcome to attend these events, or to showcase them in the lead up.
- Blackall Monday 13 October 5:30 – 7:30pm Blackall Living Arts Centre
- Barcaldine Tuesday 14 October 5:30 – 7:30pm The Globe
- Winton Wednesday 15 October 5:30 – 7:30pm Winton Youth Centre
- Stonehenge Thursday 16 October 5:30 – 7:30pm Stonehenge Hotel
- Longreach Friday 17 October 11am – 1pm TBC
The forums are hosted by Outback Futures and Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership and funded by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority and Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal.
Contact
- Sarah Wood, Lead – Communication and Engagement, TQKP, 0480 599 420
- Brent Sweeney, Business Strategy and Projects Lead Outback Futures, 0412 161 322
