Auckland Council is funding 30+ storm-affected communities to implement activities that enable people to connect, heal and build resilience one year after severe weather events devastated the region.
“We are working with community organisations and resident groups who decide for themselves what their neighbourhood needs to mark the one-year anniversary in a meaningful way,” says Mat Tucker, Group Recovery Manager.
The council has allocated almost $30,000 so far to fund locally led and managed activities across the region, such as:
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Mental health and resilience education
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Projects to capture personal stories of resilience
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Recognising bravery, hardworking volunteers and lessons learned
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Community connection events.
Funding has been distributed to support 46 community organisations and ten resident groups across Auckland, with more in the pipeline.
Te Henga / Bethells Beach was severely impacted by severe weather events early last year. A local volunteer group was grateful to receive council support.
“If we let the one-year anniversary pass unnoticed, we miss the chance to recognise volunteers who made a difference in our community during the emergency. Our anniversary event includes a review and lessons learned to ensure local knowledge and experience is captured for future weather disasters,” says Scott Hindman, chair of Te Henga Bethells Beach Emergency Resilience Group.
Sunnynook is a powerful example of a community banding together to mark the anniversary. The community has partnered with the Milestone Foundation to create a mural that pays tribute to two local men who died in flood waters and volunteers who assisted the community. Find out more by watching the video on YouTube.
Groups and organisations that received funding will likely promote activities for the public on their local group Facebook pages over the coming weeks.
