In launching the Babies and Young Children in the Black Summer Study, in Moruya on Wednesday, August 31 the primary question asked is "What is the community protection for infants and young children in bushfire emergencies project?"
The study, and project, are being conducted by the Australian Breastfeeding Association in conjunction with researchers from Western Sydney University,
Leading the project is Karleen Gribble. Doctor Gribble is an adjunct associate professor at the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Western Sydney University with interests in infant feeding, child trauma, foster care and adoption.
The project will begin with research to establish an evidence base for planning for infants and young children in bushfires. Families, caregivers and emergency responders from across Australia are invited to participate in an online survey.
The findings of the research will then be used to support organisations and individuals in Eurobodalla Shire to develop bushfire plans for infants and young children.
- Did you or someone you know have to evacuate with children (0 to 4 years)?
- Are you an emergency service or community support worker who helped support families who evacuated?
If yes, the researchers would love to hear from you. Complete the survey by clicking this link
Above: Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, attended the launch to learn of the project saying "ensuring our infants and young children are incorporated better into future emergency plans is the focus for the ABA Protecting Infants and Young Children in Bushfire Emergencies Project".
"It’s a project of the Australian Breastfeeding Association, specifically in the Eurobodalla, after the Black Summer Bushfires, and will provide valuable insight to help better protect infants and young children in emergencies locally and right across Australia.
"I was pleased to support this project through a grant from the Australian Government’s Preparing Australian Communities - Local Stream Grants.
Families, caregivers and emergency responders are invited to provide feedback through an online survey (link below).
Image above: The Federal member with members of the ABA Community Protection for Infant and Young Children in Bushfire Emergencies team, local community advocates, representatives from Eurobodalla Shire Council, and Dr Michael Holland MP - Member for Bega.
The Black Summer Bushfires (July 2019-March 2020) impacted millions of Australians.
Many families with young children were affected and had to prepare to evacuate or leave their homes or holiday accommodation because of the bushfires. Others were in communities that were cut off by road or lost power and water.
Up until now, Australian emergency planning has not included information on how to support families with young children during and after disasters and there has not been any research on the disaster experiences of these families.
This study aims to collect the experiences of caregivers of young children and the emergency responders who supported them. It is hoped that the research will help ensure families with young children are better supported in future emergencies.
If you were a parent or caregiver of a child 0 to 4 years of age who was impacted by the Black Summer Bushfires or you were an emergency responder (including as a community member or health provider), please consider being a part of this study.
Complete the survey by clicking this link https://bit.ly/3oOqhTI
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