Disaster camp to focus on First Nations community

A FIVE-DAY cultural camp starting March 31 will help First Nations participants prepare for floods and extreme weather events.

The Disaster Ready with Country Culture Camp is run by Plan C and Indigenous-led charity The Returning. It will be held at Midginbil Eco Resort, between Kyogle and Murwillumbah.

The program is designed to support disaster resilience through cultural connection, two-way learning and shared knowledge between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

Plan C is a disaster resilience organisation made up of Southern Cross University academics, aid workers, firefighters, climate researchers and community facilitators.

A spokesperson said the camp would offer an intergenerational learning space focused on emotional, social and practical skills for use in emergencies.

“At Plan C, we believe ‘I can only be safe if my neighbour is safe, and they can only be safe if their neighbour is safe.’

“This is not just a philosophy, it’s a necessity in a world where floods, fires, and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe.

“Community will save us in times of need, and it will require us to take action and have a plan.”

The group hopes to build relationships with two-way learning between indigenous and non-indigenous people.

Participants will learn about emotional, social, and practical skills to manage in critical situations when emergency services may not be available.

The cost of the camp covers accommodation, local and organic meals and workshops.

Tickets can be purchased at thereturning.com.au/culture-camp.