The Northern Rivers Times Edition 133

CONVERSATIONS WITH COMMUNITY ABOUT RECOVERY AFTER THE

David Younger, one of Australia’s leading clinical and consultant psychologists specialising in disaster recovery, is coming to the Northern Rivers from 31 January to 4 February 2023. Ten free 2-hour sessions for Community, Business Owners, Council and Recovery workers will be held throughout the Northern Rivers to support our recovery from the devastating foods in 2022, particularly as we approach the one-year anniversary.

Red Cross in collaboration with headspace is bringing David Younger, one of Australia’s leading clinical and consultant psychologists specialising in disaster recovery, to the Northern Rivers.

Over four days, David Younger will be holding 10 sessions to support the community in the lead up to the anniversary of the food. Community Recovery sessions will be held in East Lismore & Girards Hill, North & South Lismore, Nimbin, Woodburn, Coraki, Wardell and Tweed Heads. There will be a session specifcally for Business Owners in Lismore and two sessions for Council and Recovery Workers in Lismore and Murwillumbah. There will also be a special session for SES and Red Cross volunteers.

Local Red Cross Recovery Offcer, Charmaine Scherrer said, “While the events of 28 February have irrevocably changed and deeply affected communities across the Northern Rivers, we have also seen an incredible community response and solidarity both in rescues and throughout the past year in recovery.”

“Australian Red Cross Disaster Recovery mentors say that recovery is more than just rebuilding physical structures. Though this is an important part. Recovery is also coming to terms with the disaster, managing the challenges and changes caused and creating a “new normal”. Recovery

isn’t a linear process, it is infuenced by various factors, like the disaster itself, strength of community connections, socio-economic factors, support during early and longer-term recovery, and community dynamics.”

David Younger

“Disasters can have a profound effect on the mental health of individuals and communities. David Younger’s sessions will explore themes of resilience, recovery and growth, and provide opportunities for community members to share experiences, seek advice and learn techniques to assist recovery.”

“In each of the sessions, David Younger will cover personal and community recovery after a natural disaster. He will discuss what you can do to maintain your overall health and wellbeing, including recovery related tips and strategies. Also, David Younger will talk about how communities can best support themselves, recognising that communities have been working since Day 1 to provide recovery support to each other throughout our region.”

“The Business Owners Recovery Session scheduled for 1 February in Lismore is aimed at supporting the business community in their recovery journey. It will provide the opportunity for all business owners to come together to share their unique circumstances and to

learn strategies that will help navigate the path ahead.”

David Younger is experienced in working with and supporting communities and organisations throughout the country to recover from natural disasters. In 2009, the Black Saturday bushfres came close to where David was living and working, and as a result he became deeply involved in treating and supporting survivors of natural disasters.

When asked about his upcoming visit, David said, “I am looking forward to coming to the Northern Rivers, spending time with the different communities and connecting with them. I hope to understand the unique lived experiences of the communities in the area following the 2022 foods.

With my experience, I hope that I can provide support, understanding and offer suggestions about how to set yourself up for the best personal recovery possible.”

David works using a strengths-based approach, embedded with a message of hope, and lived experience stories.

This series of events is a collaboration between the Australian Red Cross and headspace, National Youth Mental Health Foundation and is proudly funded by NSW Government.

Tuesday 31st January 2023 10:30am – 12:30pm:

Council and Recovery Worker Recovery Session – Lismore & Surrounds, Lismore Heights Bowling Club, 181A High Street, Lismore Heights https:// www.eventbrite.com. au/e/512548806277

6:30pm – 8:30pm: North & South Lismore Community Recovery Session, Winsome Hotel, 11 Bridge Street, North Lismore https:// www.eventbrite.com. au/e/512569768977 Wednesday 1st February 2023 7am9am: Business Owners Recovery Session, Aardvark Brasserie (Old Uni Bar), Southern Cross University, East Lismore https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/512578645527

2pm – 4pm: Nimbin Community Session, Nimbin Town Hall, 45 Cullen St, Nimbin https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/512590159967

6:30pm – 8:30pm: Woodburn Community Session, Woodburn Memorial Hall, 127 River Street, Woodburn https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/512624984127

Thursday 2nd February 2023 9:30am – 11:30am: Wardell Community Session, Wardell CORE, 3 Sinclair St, Wardell https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/512641503537

1pm – 3pm: Coraki Community Session, Coraki Uniting Church, 5/15 Adams St, Coraki https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/512650289817

5pm – 7pm: East Lismore, Girard’s Hill & surrounds Community Recovery Session, Presbyterian Church Hall, 10 Park Ave, East Lismore https:// www.eventbrite.com. au/e/512597301327

Friday 3rd February 2023 9:30am –11:30am: Recovery workers, Social ervice sector and Council staff – Tweed & Surrounds, Murwillumbah Civic Centre Auditorium, 10-14 Tumbulgum Rd, Murwillumbah https:// www.eventbrite.com. au/e/512560320717 2 - 4pm: Tweed Heads Community Recovery Session, Tweed Civic Centre Auditorium, Cnr Brett St and, Wharf St, Tweed Heads https:// www.eventbrite.com. au/e/512669487237

LOCAL BRIEFS

MUSEUM TO HOST ROAR-SOME STREET PARTY

The Tweed Regional Museum in Murwillumbah is hosting a “Megafauna party” on January 28th, featuring roaming giant Diprotodon puppets, activities, live music, food and drink stalls, and prizes.

The event is inspired by the Capturing Nature exhibition, which tells the story of early natural history and science research in Australia through photographs and specimens from the Tweed Regional Museum’s collection.

Attendees can participate in workshops, visit the Museum on Wheels, and enjoy performances by Dead Puppet Society and local musicians.

FIREFIGHTERS

RECEIVE FIRST NATION WELCOME A team of Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters received a traditional “welcome to country” ceremony upon arriving in Western Australia to aid in flood relief efforts.

The FRNSW team, consisting of logistics, safety, and resource management experts, is providing support to Western Australia’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services in the Kimberley region.

The FRNSW team was greeted with a traditional smoking ceremony and thanked the local elder with a special “Challenge” coin from the Fire and Rescue Emergency Services Academy in Sydney.

MAYORAL FUND GRANTS AWARDED TO 9 SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY GROUPS

The Mayoral Fund of the Byron Shire Council has announced the winners of its grants, with nine schools and community groups sharing proceeds from the fund.

Recipients include Bangalow Public School, Brunswick Heads Public School, Byron Bay High School, and Main Arm Upper Public School.

Mayor Michael Lyon expressed his pride in being able to support these local schools and community groups and announced that applications for the 2023 Mayoral Fund will open in August.

THOUSANDS

OF WOMEN TO RECEIVE FERTILITY TREATMENT REBATE

The NSW Government has announced $80m IVF rebate expansion for families.

Coffs Harbour Member Gurmesh Singh welcomes the announcement of an Australian-first rebate for IVF or other assisted reproductive technology, which will make NSW one of the most affordable places in the world to have IVF treatment.

The initiative will also increase the number of IVF treatment places in publicly supported clinics and increase fertility preservation services for patients with a medical need.

FILM STUDENTS GAIN INDUSTRY SKILLS

Value Imagery, a local Northern Rivers video production company, partners with SAE

Creative Media Institute to provide industry experience and skills to film students.

Former student and editor, Charlotte MorrowSmith, now works at the Channel 7 Network in Sydney, thanks to the hands-on experience she gained at Value Imagery under the guidance of Creative Director, Alexander Sharkey.

The partnership provides students with real-life client projects and opportunities for paid work after their placement.

LISMORE EMPLOYMENT ACCELERATION PATHWAYS PROGRAM LAUNCHES

Lismore City Council launches the annual Lismore Employment Acceleration Pathways (LEAP) program to create employment opportunities for those starting or changing careers.

The first intake includes 15 people who will undertake traineeships in horticulture, civil construction, water and sewer, libraries, finance, and the customer contact centre.

The program offers a range of apprenticeships, traineeships, and training opportunities to candidates in line with their areas of interest and is designed to grow youth employment and develop skills in the region.