URGENT UPDATE: Principal Daniel Roe has just announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing youth wellbeing in Australia. During a press event at Quaama Public School on December 2, Roe revealed his school will receive $9 million as part of a national initiative called The Care and Prepare Toolkit.
This significant funding is part of the Albanese government’s latest round of support from the $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund, which has allocated $200 million to 96 projects across the nation. This initiative is designed to bolster mental health and wellbeing resources for students affected by natural disasters, a pressing concern in a country frequently impacted by such events.
Roe emphasized the importance of understanding trauma’s impact on children, stating that being proactive can significantly aid in their recovery. “If people have made as many clear decisions as they possibly can around how they can support students prior, I think half the job if not all the job will be done in regards to supporting youth,” he noted.
His insights stem from his own experiences navigating the aftermath of the 2019 bushfires. He observed a marked difference in the stability and emotional regulation of students who returned to familiar routines with the same teacher, contrasting sharply with older students who faced disruptions. “That Year 1 cohort were the only cohort that was calm, settled and in a routine,” said Roe.
According to Jason Trethowan, CEO of the initiative, Roe’s experience highlights the critical role schools play in providing stability for children amidst chaos. “He spoke to why this funding was announced, and that was just how important schools are to kids who are experiencing trauma,” Trethowan said.
The $9 million will fund a design and consultation process, resource development, educator training, and mental health support in high-risk schools. “It won’t just be a book that you go through from page one to 100; it will be providing opportunities for schools to respond and have their say as well,” Trethowan explained.
Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain echoed these sentiments, sharing her firsthand observations of the lasting effects of disasters on youth during the Black Summer bushfires. “I want to make sure that lived experience of communities that have gone through disasters is evident in the policy settings we have as a federal government,” she stated.
This urgent initiative is a pivotal step in ensuring that young Australians are equipped with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of trauma and disaster recovery. As conversations around youth wellbeing gain momentum, the focus now shifts to the implementation of these resources and the long-term impact on affected communities.
Stay tuned for updates on how this crucial funding will be utilized and the ongoing developments in supporting Australia’s youth through challenging times.
