Sisters doing it for themselves at NSW SES Mullumbimby preparedness workshop

There was a hive of activity at the NSW SES Mullumbimby unit on Saturday for all the right reasons as women from the Byron Shire and surrounds attended the Emergency Preparedness in Community (EPiC) women’s workshop.

The workshop, run by female volunteers from the local SES unit, together with those from the Murwillumbah and Tweed Coast SES units, aimed to give women the confidence to be better prepared for natural hazards.

Attendees who ranged in age from their 20s to their 80s rotated around six ‘stations’ learning effective sandbagging, fire extinguisher use and ladder safety when cleaning gutters. Skills in basic first aid, preparing a home emergency plan and kit and information about apps and warnings were also provided.

Many of those attending agreed that they wanted to be more self-reliant and have the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions during emergencies.

‘During the flood I felt very unskilled and helpless, and I really wanted to learn more about how to protect my property and myself and help neighbours and so on,’ said one attendee, Megan.

Learning to look after everything

Judy, a widow in her early 80s said she lived alone, and her husband had done everything for her.

‘I thought it was about time I learned how to do things, to look after everything,’ she said.

Many of the women said they were drawn to the event because it was run by women, for women, making them feel easier about their skillset and vulnerabilities.

‘We’re all women and it feels so much easier to learn from other women. It just feels comfortable and not embarrassing and you can ask really basic questions, and it feels safe,’ said Eva.

Cassie summed it up best: ‘I’ve really, really enjoyed hanging out with a bunch of women for the day. Everyone has laughed and I feel we’re actually building more connections and more knowledge and more capability in our community.’