Media Release - Pillowcase Project Engages Children Across District

An educational program designed to better prepare Hinchinbrook primary school students for natural disasters began this week, with St Peters Catholic School, Halifax the first school to participate in the Pillowcase Project.

Mayor Ramon Jayo said ‘It is essential that children and families know how to deal with an emergency, practically and psychologically. Being prepared can help reduce feelings of stress in households and build a culture of resilience in the community generally.’

Inspired by events following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Pillowcase Project is led by the Red Cross and is being delivered in collaboration with the Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

The engaging workshops target students in primary school aged children, who are given a pillowcase to decorate and store their own emergency kit.

‘Children are shown what to pack and are taught the difference between items they want and need, discussion around the thoughts and feelings that may arise before, during and after an emergency are discussed and the importance of staying calm is reinforced.’

‘Children are positive agents for change at home and in the community and there will undoubtedly be positive flow-on effects from this project,’ Cr Jayo said.

The Pillowcase Project is funded by Energy Queensland’s Community Fund and will be delivered to 326 students at 11 schools across the district.

Energy Queensland Area Manager Wayne Alderman said the company’s network businesses, Ergon Energy and Energex, play a leading role in disaster response.

“Restoring power and supporting communities in the wake of cyclones, storms, floods and bushfires is a critical step in getting them back on their feet and restoring a sense of normality. 

“It makes sense for us to support anything that helps build disaster resilience and it’s great to hear positive feedback from students who’ve already participated in the Pillowcase Project,” Mr Alderman said.

For more information regarding the Pillowcase Project, please visit the Australian Red Cross website, www.redcross.org.au.