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Baw Baw Council partners with Red Cross to teach local children disaster preparedness through Resilient Kids workshops

Baw Baw Council and Red Cross are delivering Resilient Kids workshops in local schools, teaching children emergency preparedness, 000 calls, coping skills, and creating take-home emergency kits throughout 2026.

By news@gippsland - 28th January 2026 - Back to News

Baw Baw Shire Council is proud to be working alongside the Australian Red Cross to help build disaster resilience in local children. The Resilient Kids Initiative brings fun and interactive workshops to local primary schools, using games and activities to teach children how to recognise emergency services workers, call 000, and use breathing techniques to stay calm.

The Resilient Kids Initiative teaches primary students emergency preparedness, calming techniques, risk awareness, pillowcase kits, and developing family emergency plans through fun, interactive workshops

Building disaster resilience

Children in senior grades are also taught how to create an emergency kit using a Red Cross Pillowcase, which they are able to decorate and take home to show their families. Baw Baw Shire Mayor Councillor Kate Wilson, is thrilled to see many local schools taking up the opportunity to share these workshops with their students.

"The Resilient Kids Initiative is a vital program for the Baw Baw Shire. It addresses the need to support and encourage disaster resilience in the youngest members of our community and adopts an ‘all hazards’ approach to help prepare them for any future emergencies. So far we have delivered the program to more than 300 local kids at Bona Vista, Nilma, Tanjil South and Trafalgar primary schools," she said.

Resilient Kids Program

As extreme weather events continue to impact our communities, young people may have questions or worries about what to do if there is a storm, heavy rainfall, high winds or fire danger. These workshops are designed to educate children on how to prepare for and respond to an emergency and encourage further conversations with parents, teachers and caregivers.

This free program will be offered throughout 2026. Interested schools are encouraged to visit Baw Baw Shire Council website, for more information. The program is funded by the Victorian Government following the significant storm event in February 2024.

Pictures from Bona Vista Primary School Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• East Gippsland Landcare Groups secure funding for environmental projects and community conservation across the region
  East Gippsland Landcare groups received 22 project and 11 support grants under the 2026 Victorian program, funding habitat restoration, weed management, biodiversity, education and volunteer activities.
• Latrobe Valley commuters will receive longer trains and more seats under a Nationals-Liberals plan to increase regional rail capacity and reduce crowding
  The Nationals and Liberals plan to allocate five additional V’Locity sets to Traralgon and Bairnsdale, delivering 1,100 extra seats and reducing regional rail crowding.
• Gippsland Water storage levels remain strong despite below-average spring rainfall forecast, with no supply shortages expected across the region
  Gippsland Water says strong storage levels will support customer demand through spring despite below-average rainfall forecasts, with no shortages expected. Customers are reminded to follow Victoria’s permanent water-saving rules.
• East Gippsland communities transform emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience, recovery and local stories
  East Gippsland communities have transformed emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience and recovery, with artworks completed at four locations and three more projects planned for Gipsy Point, South Buchan and Benambra.
• Celebrate the Lakes event highlighting Gippsland Lakes diversity and environmental projects protecting vital local ecosystems
  The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will host Celebrate the Lakes at Eagle Point, showcasing Gippsland Lakes biodiversity, environmental projects and community efforts protecting local waterways, wetlands and wildlife.
• East Gippsland outdoor venues prepare for summer with school holiday activities, swimming programs and swim teacher opportunities
  East Gippsland outdoor facilities are preparing for summer, with Orbost Pool opening early, seasonal swimming programs returning, Aqua Run activities planned and Council recruiting and training new swim teachers.
• East Gippsland and Wellington farmers' 'Looking Ahead Farmer Survey' extended until 9 October 2026
  Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington have until October 9 to complete the Looking Ahead Farmer Survey 2026, helping shape agricultural priorities, advocacy and future government support across the region.