Through funding from the state and federal governments and nib foundation, the Dungog Shire Community Centre was able to kick-start their Bounce Forward project in July following the April 2015 super storm.
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The project was set up to help Dungog Shire people with their recovery from the devastation of last year’s disaster. And while the 12 month anniversary looms this week, the nib foundation has doubled their initial donation of $50,000.
“The state and federal government funding couldn’t be extended but work needed to continue for many months to come,” said the centre’s manager Sarah U’Brien.
“They gave us another $50,000 which will take us through to December 31. This will allow Project Bounce Forward to keep going. It has been a wonderful experience to work with the nib foundation. They were genuinely engaged with the community and their care was real.”
The Bounce Forward Project has given Dungog residents access to accurate communication, support services and housing assistance. In the first nine months the project has been operating, it has organised over 14 community events attended by more than 1200 residents to promote wellness, positivity and awareness of the community’s role in recovery.
The project also facilitates a fortnightly “self care group” for community members to meet, mutually support each other and promote good mental health.
nib foundation executive officer Amy Tribe said while there is still more to be done, the foundation is proud to see how the work of the Project Bounce Forward team has already been successful in reuniting the community.
“As the one-year anniversary approaches residents will be challenged emotionally as they relive the experiences of April 2015,” she said. We are glad our funding support will see the community through this tough time, helping the Project Bounce Forward team continue to deliver support services and help create a stronger, more connected community.”
