The diocese sponsored a combined parent evening for Sacred Heart College and St John's College earlier this month.

The move follows generous contributions from people around the country who donated to the Diocese's Cyclone Gabriel appeal.

Palmerston North Diocese Chaplain and Young Catholics Team Leader Nick Wilson says the diocese is committed to supporting the community.

Michael Hempseed was a guest speaker at the evening.

He spoke on ‘Understanding and Healing the Impact of Disasters'.

Hempseed helped after both the Christchurch earthquakes and the March 15 mosque attacks.

A disaster's psychological impact is often seen only three to five years later, he told parents and teachers.

"What we know is when a disaster strikes, there is a strong sense of community and it's thought that's a protective factor."

Keep them going, he says. Have community events and keep having them.

Volunteering is an important tool in healing, he adds.

"This has a massive impact on wellbeing. First, you make a good group of friends, you're doing something positive for your community, and you aren't sitting at home feeling sorry for yourselves."

Sacred Heart College Principal Maria Neville-Foster said the evening was timely.

Thanking Hempseed and the Diocese, she said: "It helps us to understand ourselves, but it also helps us to work with the young people we are with.

"They are doing really well when they are connected with their community, and we see wonderful, solid examples of that at school all the time.

"My take home is to try and have more social community events, so when you see those being advertised, you'll know why, and we welcome you into our community space as much as possible to try and create that going forward."

She has a lot of hope for the Sacred Heart and St John's pupils' future.

"But it is about being aware and being able to support them on that journey, alongside their whanau."

Another Sacred Heart College teacher, Juliana Collier, said it was valuable to hear Hempseed's advice.

"Having the permission to just be able to listen is important. It also gives affected people the opportunity to hear stories from other people and know they are not alone."

St John's College Principal George Rogers said it is important to unite and support one another in this time of need.

He said we cannot underestimate the Cyclone's mental and emotional toll on the community.

Source

• Community Scoop

Despite the challenges they face, many are finding strength and hope in the solidarity of their community.

The flood in March 2022 was the worst to hit the town in over a decade, with over 100 homes and businesses inundated and many more damaged.

In the aftermath of the flood, the community came together to support one another and begin the long process of recovery.

Local charities and government agencies provided vital assistance, while community members volunteered their time and resources to help those in need.

Bishop Gregory Homeming, who visited the town following the disaster, praised the community's resilience and spirit in the face of adversity.

Speaking to local media, he said, "The Lismore flood was a tragedy, but it also brought out the best in people. I was struck by the generosity and kindness of the community, and their determination to rebuild and move forward".

Despite the progress made in the past year, many residents are still struggling with the emotional and financial aftermath of the flood.

Some still live in temporary accommodation, while others are dealing with the stress of rebuilding their homes and businesses.

Local business owner Jane Smith, whose shop was badly damaged in the flood, said the past year had been a constant struggle.

"It's been a rollercoaster of emotions," she says.

"One day, you feel like you're making progress, and the next day it feels like you're back at square one. But we're determined to keep going and rebuild our business, no matter how long it takes."

Better disaster preparedness needed

The Lismore flood also highlighted the need for better regional disaster preparedness and infrastructure.

In the wake of the disaster, there have been calls for improved flood warning systems, better drainage and more investment in flood mitigation measures.

Late last year three Catholic Colleges - Trinity College, Lismore, St John's College, Woodlawn, and Xavier College, Ballina each received state government commendation awards for resilience, recognising the extraordinary efforts to keep these schools running in the face of disaster.

For the 900-student Trinity College community, the challenge has been enormous after the school, built on the banks of the Wilsons River, went under.

The college will unlikely ever return to the old site because it has been assessed as uninsurable.

Instead, Trinity College has relocated to Lismore's Southern Cross University campus as future plans take shape.

Despite the challenges ahead, the community remains optimistic about the future.

"The flood was a devastating event, but it also showed us the strength and resilience of our community," says Lismore Mayor Jenny Dowell.

"We're still recovering, but we're determined to come out of this stronger and more prepared than ever before."

Sources

Catholic Leader

9News