Central Coast Council has launched a new podcast series, Emergency Ready Now, to provide community members with the tools and knowledge to better cope when faced with adverse challenges, such as natural disasters and emergencies.

Council Director Community and Recreation Services Julie Vaughan said the new podcast shares people’s stories about disaster recovery, community and mental wellbeing. 

“In recent years, the Central Coast community has been exposed to a range of emergencies and disasters – from devastating bushfires, floods and storms to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” Ms Vaughan said. 

“As a community, we’ve displayed great strength in working through these challenges together, but what do we do after they pass and how do we learn and prepare for next time? 

“The new Emergency Ready Now podcast explores these important questions and looks at how we, as a community, can become more resilient and connected in the wake of disaster.”

The engaging 12-episode series shares the stories of community members and industry experts to explore topics and themes including the positive impact of resilience, supporting children’s mental health during and following emergencies, preparing for and recovering from trauma and loss , and financial and environmental impacts of disasters.

Council Administrator Rik Hart said the podcast provides a powerful platform to support community members impacted by natural disaster, while highlighting the importance of community connectedness. 

“Community stories are one of the most powerful learning tools we have,” Mr Hart said.

“This new podcast shares people’s stories about disaster recovery and gives a fantastic overview of how communities can proactively ready themselves for the future. It brings these complex issues to the forefront with the aim of establishing and maintaining healthy and resilient communities.”

The Emergency Ready Now podcast is presented by Central Coast Council and jointly funded by the Commonwealth and the NSW State Government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The first episode of the Emergency Ready Now podcast is now available on Whooshkaa, Spotify or anywhere you get your podcasts.