9 Jade Hurley, Fierce Females Financial assistance from the Gold Coast Primary Health Network (GCPHN) for residents affected by the destructive summer storms is not only helping to rebuild communities, but also making them stronger. The Reconnection for Resilience Community Grants Program provided 15 community grants of up to $5000 for local not-for-profit organisations, healthcare organisations, sporting clubs and primary care providers in the storm and flood hit areas. “While the property rebuilds continue, so are the psychological health recoveries of those residents directly affected by the storms,” GCPHN CEO Matt Carrodus said. “Through programs that foster ongoing resilience, we are helping to empower people with the resources and support necessary to complete their recovery journeys,” he said. Mr Carrodus said funded activities included programs aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing through support embedded in addressing social isolation, sport and exercise classes, art therapy, skills development initiatives, community BBQs and more. We highlight a couple amazing organisations that are cleverly using their grants funding to build better local communities: Fierce Females – Westfield Shopping Centre, Helensvale Created by women for women, Fierce But Jennifer said next time it will be different. “One of the things we realised is that we were sending people away with their emergency supplies in boxes and we thought that was undignified,” she said. “So, we created Bags on the Go, with everything packed in a sturdy reusable suitcase that people can wheel out of our centre with pride. “The bags are the packed with donated toiletries and essential disaster recovery items like battery powered radios, weatherproof document holders, towels and face washers, washing powder, coins for laundromats, deodorants and other hygiene products. “They open the suitcase to find most of the things that people would need if they were faced with an emergency accommodation situation,” she said. The Studio Village Community Centre was established 30 years ago by the local community. It’s one of 140 Neighbourhood and Community Centres (NCC’s) around Queensland responding to loneliness and social isolation. On a day-to-day basis it provides a community garden, day activities, bowls, craft classes, new parent support and playgroups, and plenty more. “Our clients are diverse and in the aftermath of the disaster we also welcomed everyone to explore our community wellbeing and mental health services,” Jennifer said. “At times of need we’re always there to provide physical and emotional support and Bags on the Go is just another innovative and locally tailored example of how we put grants monies like these to the very best use,” she said. https://studiovillage.com.au/ Reconnection for Resilience: Grants Deliver Late Christmas Cheer Females gives participants the skills and knowledge to live life without harm. Women over the age of 15, many mothers and daughters, take part in a 10-week program to learn how to improve and maintain personal safety during and after stressful events. It’s a unique program that fosters resilience and community connection by blending psychology, conflict resolution and mixed martial arts techniques. And according to trainer Jade Hurley, the Women’s Wellbeing and Resilience Skill Building Workshops have been especially important in the aftermath of the Christmas storms. “These workshops have provided a safe and supportive space for women to re-build their confidence, learn practical safety skills, and foster resilience in the face of adversity and stressful situations,” Jade said. “By focusing on both physical and emotional well-being, the workshops have been instrumental in helping participants navigate the challenges, both physical and emotional, brought on by the storms. “This has empowered them to move forward with newfound strength and a greater sense of community connection,” she said. www.fiercefemales.com.au Bags on the Go - Studio Village Community Centre, Oxenford When the Christmas night storm hit Oxenford, the Community Development Manager of the Studio Village Community Centre Jennifer Schofield knew her holiday was over and there was hard work to be done. “We were badly hit, and I knew straight away an emergency community recovery was about to start because we’ve been here before with floods and fire and all manner of natural disasters,” she said. That recovery meant the distribution of emergency food and water supplies and toiletries and other essentials for people driven from their homes or those staying put to comprehend what had just happened amid prolonged power outages. Jennifer Schofield ,Community Development Manager, Studio Village Community Centre
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