RESILIENCE MATTERS

 Welcome to the August Edition of our Disaster Recovery Newsletter!

We are committed to keeping you informed, prepared, and resilient in the face of unforeseen events.

Over the past month, our Community Recovery and Ready Together Team has been actively engaging with the community through various initiatives. We’ve attended a Senior’s Expo, Shopping Centre Pop-Ups, two Emergency Services Safari's, Disaster and Emergency Management Conference and conducted several outreach appointments to support our clients. These events have provided invaluable opportunities for us to share essential recovery information, offer support, and connect with individuals who are taking proactive steps towards disaster preparedness.

We’re committed to helping you stay safe and resilient, and this newsletter is packed with updates, tips, and resources to support your recovery journey.

Thank you for being part of our community.

Together, we can stay safe and resilient.

Emergency Kit Recipe Book

Contributors!

Congratulations to our Emergency Kit Recipe Book contributors! Your creative and practical recipes have demonstrated a fantastic commitment to preparedness and resilience. Thank you for your valuable contributions to our community. We are thrilled to announce that you have each received a Disaster Emergency Kit valued at over $200. We hope these kits help you stay safe and prepared in any emergency situation!

Two of our Emergency Kit Recipe Book contributors, Dominque and Jennifer!

The Pines, Elanora Pop Up

The Community Recovery Connect and Ready Together Team recently hosted an engaging and educational "Pop Up" event at The Pines Shopping Centre in Elanora. The event aimed to spread awareness about Community Resilience and Disaster Recovery, which are crucial topics in our ever-changing world.

Visitors to the "Pop Up" learned about various strategies and resources available to help communities withstand and recover from disasters. The team provided valuable information on how individuals and families can prepare for emergencies, ensuring they are resilient in the face of adversity.

In addition to spreading awareness, the event served as a platform to advertise several key community resources. Our very own Varsity Lakes Community Resource Centre, Palm Beach Neighborhood Centre, and Sixty and Better in Palm Beach were highlighted for their contributions to community well-being. These organisations offer a range of services and programs designed to support and empower residents, making them vital assets in building a resilient community.

The "Pop Up" event at The Pines Shopping Centre was a great success, bringing the community together and fostering a spirit of preparedness and cooperation. The Community Recovery Connect and Ready Together Team look forward to organising more such events in the future to continue spreading awareness and strengthening our community.

VLCRC Health and Wellness Mini Expo

Thanks to the funding of PHN Gold Coast we're thrilled to invite you to the Feel Good Mini Fest, a special event dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being within our community. Taking place on Saturday 10 August, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, this exciting festival is packed with workshops and activities tailored for all ages.

At the heart of the Feel Good Fest is a mission to enhance mind-body wellness and strengthen community resilience. Through interactive play sessions, creative arts therapy, yoga, breath work, ice bath and educational workshops on topics like mindfulness, resilience, and yoga, participants will gain practical tools and resources to support their mental health. These engaging activities are designed not only to be fun and enjoyable but also to empower individuals with positive coping strategies and emotional support.

In the aftermath of recent weather challenges, it's more important than ever to foster a sense of togetherness and mutual support within our community. The Feel Good Fest aims to bring people together, create lasting connections, and build a stronger, more resilient community!

Come join us at the VLCRC for a day of fun, learning, and community spirit. Let's make wellness a joyful journey for everyone!

Volunteer and Make a Difference

Join Our Community Resilience Team

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in our community? We invite you to become a volunteer with our Community Resilience Team (CRT)! Our mission is to support communities in building resilience and enhancing their capacity to better prepare for future disasters.

As a CRT volunteer you will provide support to communities to build resilience and build capacity and capability to better prepare for future disasters.  The Volunteer role will also stand up when there is a disaster activation to respond to community need and provide support during transition into recovery and throughout the recovery journey.

By joining our CRT, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to strengthening our community’s resilience and capacity to face future challenges. Volunteering with us offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference and help those in need when it matters most.

Interested in becoming a CRT volunteer?

Please email community@varsitylakes.org.au to learn more and sign up.

Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient community!

Community Recovery Team Still In Action 

The Community Recovery team continue to work daily supporting members of our community get back on their feet after the Christmas Storms!

This is an uplifting example of a community member that Lauren (CRCW) from Palm Beach Neighbourhood Centre was able to support:

“Through the Gold Coast Community Recovery activation, numerous residents have received support in navigating the QLD grants system and connecting with social supports crucial for their recovery. One notable instance involved a person who, despite claiming recovery from recent storms, expressed social isolation and uncertainty about engaging with the community.

Through referrals, they were introduced to activities at the Palm Beach Neighbourhood Centre and Varsity Lakes Community Resource Centre. Attending free art sessions at PBNC every Tuesday, they not only found a creative outlet but also began facilitating sessions themselves, sharing their relaxation and mindfulness techniques through doodle drawings. Additionally, they joined a PHN funded initiative at PBNC, participating in activities like Pilates, Breathwork, and Tai Chi, which have enhanced their wellbeing and social cohesion.

This story underscores the vital role community center's play in fostering community connection, support and inclusion.

Community Support Transforms a Family's Life

In the aftermath of the devastating Christmas Day storms, one family's journey towards recovery shines as a beacon of hope and community spirit. Despite facing numerous challenges, including cultural barriers that made it difficult to seek help, a father and his family are now on the path to a brighter future, thanks to the unwavering support of the Gold Coast community.

Since the storms, this resilient father has shouldered immense responsibilities. As the family's primary caregiver, he has faced incredible hardships. Due to cultural reasons, he felt too embarrassed to reach out for help, choosing instead to quietly bear the burden.

Recognising the family’s dire situation, the Community Recovery Connect Worker's (CRCW) stepped in to provide essential support. They organised vouchers and food hampers, ensuring the family had enough to eat and access to basic necessities. This immediate assistance alleviated some of the stress, allowing the father to focus on caring for his loved ones.

The family more recently were faced with an unexpected large household expense they were not able to fund, the Gold Coast Community Fund provided a sizeable contribution to support the family to meet this cost.

As they move forward, this family can now look ahead with optimism, knowing they are not alone in their struggles. The collaborative spirit of the Gold Coast community has once again proven that, together, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges.

This heartwarming story serves as a testament to the power of kindness, resilience, and the profound impact of reaching out to those in need. The family's journey towards recovery is a true celebration of the community's unwavering commitment to supporting one another.

One on One Personalised Preparedness Plan and Free Disaster Recovery Information Workshop

Are You Interested in Attending a One-on-One Personalised Preparedness Plan and/or a Free Disaster Recovery and Preparedness Workshop?

In an effort to build a resilient community and ensure everyone is prepared for any eventuality, our Community Resilience Team is excited to offer one-on-one personalised preparedness plans and free disaster recovery and preparedness workshops. These initiatives are designed to empower individuals and families with the knowledge and tools they need to face disasters confidently.

One-on-One Personalised Preparedness Plans

Our one-on-one sessions provide a tailored approach to disaster preparedness. During these sessions, our experts will work with you to develop a comprehensive preparedness plan that addresses your specific needs and circumstances. From identifying potential risks to creating emergency kits and communication plans, these personalised sessions will ensure you are fully equipped to handle any situation.

Free Disaster Recovery and Preparedness Workshops

In addition to personalised plans, we are offering free workshops that cover a wide range of topics related to disaster recovery and preparedness. These interactive sessions are designed to be informative and engaging, providing participants with practical advice and actionable steps to enhance their resilience. Topics include emergency response strategies, resource management, and community support systems.

Whether you prefer a personalised one-on-one session or a collaborative workshop environment, our programs are here to help you prepare effectively. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your preparedness and contribute to a stronger, more resilient community.

To register for a one-on-one session or a workshop, please contact us at community@varsitylakes.org.au

We look forward to helping you take proactive steps towards disaster preparedness and recovery.

WIN A READY TO GO DISASTER KIT!

We are thrilled to announce a fantastic opportunity for our community members to participate in a FREE raffle with incredible prizes designed to enhance your disaster preparedness.

How to Enter: Simply click the link below and complete a short survey.

• 1st Prize: A Ready-to-Go Disaster Kit

• 2nd to 5th Prizes: Each winner will receive a Portable Burner, Solar Charger, and a First Aid Kit.

   

The raffle will be drawn on Friday, August 30th, so make sure to enter before then!

By participating in this raffle, not only do you get a chance to win valuable disaster preparedness tools, but you also help us understand your needs better through the survey.

Enter today and be ready for tomorrow!

Palm Beach Neighbourhood Centre

Palm Beach Neighbourhood’s new initiative “Wellbeing Wednesday’s” promoting community-led Wellbeing and Resilience activities and events.

Every Wednesday from 10am discover activities to enhance connectedness and social cohesion towards wellbeing.

By focusing on a different topic every month and featuring diverse activities each week from Yoga and Pilates to Tai Chi and Breathwork we aim to ensure that no one faces adversity alone.

If you are interested, please contact reception on: 07 5598 1505

DEMC2024: Disaster and Emergency Management Conference 2024

Our Community Recovery Team recently took part in the annual Disaster and Emergency Management Conference (DEMC2024). This prestigious event, held annually, gathers experts and leaders from around the world to discuss and share the latest strategies, technologies, and innovations in disaster preparedness and response.

By attending the DEMC2024, our team gained valuable insights and knowledge on cutting-edge practices in emergency management. The conference featured a variety of workshops, keynote speeches, and panel discussions led by industry professionals, covering topics such as crisis communication, community resilience, and advanced recovery techniques.

Our participation underscores our dedication to staying at the forefront of disaster preparedness, ensuring that we can effectively protect and support our community in times of need. We are excited to bring back and implement the best practices and ideas from the conference, enhancing our community's resilience and readiness for any potential emergencies.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to strengthen our disaster response capabilities with the latest knowledge and skills acquired from DEMC2024!

Before you Go - Gold Coast Dying to Know Day Community Event

Friday 9 August, 10am - 12:30pm AEST

Currumbin RSL

165 Duringan Street Currumbin, QLD 4223

Event lasts 2 hours 30 minutes

Join us for an inspiring in-person event where we delve into the questions many long to ask ‘before you go.’ Be part of engaging discussions and activities that explore the transformative effects of kindness in planning and preparing for a life lived well before we go. Discover how being part of a compassionate community can create a ripple effect, positively impacting individuals and communities alike.

This event promises to be a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for spreading kindness at all stages in our lives, especially in the preparation for end of life. Hear from renowned speakers as part of our human library, participate in thought-provoking discussions, and gain valuable insights into the immense power of this simple yet profound virtue.

As part of our human library come and borrow:

• Annie McGrath: End of Life Doula

• Bronwyn Chales: Process Therapist and Social Worker - Specialising in supporting people at times of sudden death

• Caroline Tremayne: Integral Sound Healer: The power of sound in living well and dying well

• Emma Beattie, grief work and story telling

• Liz Miller - Near Death experiencer

• Tsultrim: Counsellor/Spiritual Program Co-ordinator Karuna Hospice

• Karen Lucas, Funeral Director

• Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service Specialist Palliative Care staff

• Along with a range of service providers from across South East Queensland including Ethnic Communities Council Queensland, Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast Women Cancer Support Network, Hopewell Hospice, Home Instead, Hummingbird House, Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast, and many others.

This is a family friendly event as part of national Dying to Know Day activities. Free face painting for kids. Spaces are limited so please register. Donations are welcome.