A South Coast council is hosting another series of Emergency Services Playdates in late October. Photo: Eurobodalla Shire Council.
Kids – and their families – are invited along for another series of Emergency Services Playdates to learn what to do in an emergency when things get scary.
Eurobdalla Shire Council’s coordinator of children’s services Louise Hatton said council had organised the playdates (with a twist) for people of all ages.
“Families can meet with disaster experts and hear firsthand vital need-to-know information about how to prepare for and act in an emergency,” she said.
“We know families need to take decisive action when facing natural disasters like floods and bushfires, but decisions can be complicated. Throw evacuation centres into the mix and keeping children safe, healthy and hydrated can be overwhelming for parents.”
The concept was developed after the 2019-20 Black Summer fires. Parents told the council’s children’s services team they felt rushed when packing for evacuations, and that some children remained apprehensive around emergency services personnel, vehicles and equipment in the aftermath of the bushfires.
Participating families will be able to meet representatives from a variety of agencies – including SES, NSW Police, Fire and Rescue NSW, RFS, NSW Ambulance, Marine Rescue NSW, Australian Breastfeeding Association and Red Cross – and ask them questions about how to stay safe during an emergency, all in a relaxed environment.
“Kids can get used sirens and lights and have some fun with the equipment and trucks up close, while parents can speak to experts on the right steps to take preparing for or evacuating from natural disasters,” Ms Hatton said.
“While council does not lead during a disaster – that’s for professionals from agencies like the RFS and SES – we do have an extensive network and good communication channels.
“These playdates last year were considered a bit innovative, but the need was clear, identified by both research and our own knowledge that children learn best through play. And the response was phenomenal so we’re following up with another three events this year.”
The sessions will be held across Eurobodalla Shire in October:
- Corrigans Beach Reserve in Batehaven, 5:30 to 7 pm on 21 October (Monday)
- Quota Park in Narooma, 5:30 to 7 pm on 24 October (Thursday)
- Riverside Park in Moruya, 5:30 to 7 pm on 28 October (Monday)
The playdates are part of Children’s Week activities, which runs from 19 to 27 October.
Other council-run Children’s Week events include an intergenerational picnic at Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden, a children’s fun day at Tomakin, and a science space event at Narooma. Visit council’s what’s on for kids webpage or contact council’s children’s services team on 4474 7333 for more information.
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