Food for Thought: Resilient Communities

Check out what we’ve been up to & what we’ve been tuning into this month. If you’d like to have a chat about anything below, you can book in a time here 

Lately, the word ‘resilience’ has been used a lot — especially by government departments when talking about disaster recovery & community support. But for those who’ve been through multiple setbacks — from floods & fires to economic challenges — hearing “be resilient” can feel patronising & out of touch

But resilience is more than a buzzword — it’s about strengthening ourselves & communities in meaningful ways

What if resilience was less about ‘toughening up’ & more about building skills, connections & systems that help us to recover quickly — no matter what comes our way?

In Mildura, we’re exploring this conversation with Let’s Talk About BIG Weather — a chance to unpack practical ideas for making our homes & communities stronger & better prepared. It’s about finding solutions together, with people sharing ideas that work for them

Maybe you’ve had a great idea — a local event, creative project, or community initiative — but you’re hitting roadblocks when it comes to government support or funding

💡 Here’s the good news: There are ways to make things happen — even without relying solely on grants or funding from others

✅ Partner up – Local businesses, community groups & even schools can be powerful allies. Start small & build momentum

✅ Crowdsource support – Ever considered crowdfunding or seeking micro-donations? People are often willing to invest in projects that benefit their town

✅ Get creative with resources – From shared equipment to volunteer power, sometimes the best solutions come from thinking outside the box

✅ Tap into local know-how – Partnering with experienced groups can give your project credibility & open new doors

💬 The key? Start small, connect with others & keep building from there

🌱 We’ve seen incredible community projects thrive this way — from pop-up art events to local sustainability initiatives

You don’t need to wait for government funding to create real impact

Winter can be so de-motivating!

The colder months can make it harder to keep momentum going – sitting by the fire reading a good book feels way more enticing than taking action — especially when you’re confronting challenges: working hard on the project, driving change, or navigating challenges

But winter isn’t just a season of stillness — it’s a season of preparation & quiet growth

🌿 Think about plants beneath the soil…

Even when nothing seems to be happening, they’re gathering strength — developing roots, building resilience & preparing to grow – when the time is right

💡 Your Winter efforts right now, may be doing the same

✅ Every strategy session you run

✅ Every partnership you build

✅ Every challenge you overcome

…is strengthening the foundations for future success

Feeling stuck? Try this:

❄ Focus on small wins — Progress doesn’t have to be huge to be meaningful

❄ Connect with others — Sharing ideas & experiences can reignite your drive

❄ Reflect on your ‘why’ — Remind yourself what inspired you to start Whatever you’re working towards — whether it’s a community project, business goal or creative idea — remember that growth is still happening, even if you can’t see it yet

What’s one small intentional action you can take today to move your project forward?

We often hear terms like “soft skills” — communication, empathy, adaptability — as if they’re somehow easy

But let’s be real… In tough times, these so-called ‘soft skills’ are often the hardest to use

💬 When emotions are high, when people are stressed, or when solutions feel out of reach, the ability to:
✅ Listen calmly without jumping to conclusions
✅ Express your thoughts clearly when you’re overwhelmed
✅ Adapt & stay flexible when plans change unexpectedly
✅ Find common ground when people disagree

… takes practice, patience & emotional strength

These skills are essential for building solutions that last — whether you’re:
🟠 Responding to extreme weather
🟠 Working with your local community
🟠 Supporting those around you

We’re running various projects throughout 2025, all of which focus on creating space for people to connect, share ideas & build these vital skills

Because strong communities aren’t just about practical solutions — they’re about the people behind them Subscribe to the newsletter to stay up to date

National Volunteer Week 2025 runs from 19-25 May with the theme ‘Connecting Communities’, celebrating how volunteering fosters connection, belonging & resilience

Volunteers are the heart of strong communities — dedicating their time, skills & energy to create positive change

At Jumpleads NFP, we see this first-hand in our projects, where volunteers play a vital role in engaging communities & supporting creative, social & environmental outcomes

💙 A huge thank you to all volunteers — you are truly appreciated

Get involved in volunteering in your community here: 

Strong social connections & healthy relationships are foundational to building resilient communities

Across Australia, various initiatives exemplify this by fostering community engagement & support. Here are a few notable projects:​

1. Neighbours Every Day Campaign
   Led by Relationships Australia, the Neighbours Every Day campaign aims to: combat loneliness by encouraging community connections. Culminating in Neighbour Day on the last Sunday of March, this initiative supports sustainable, respectful relationships across communities

​relationshipsnsw.org.au+1relationships.org.au+1

2. Trade Skills For Teens

For young people 13-18:  an initiative that empowers teenagers through practical skill building & community connection. Participants have built cubby houses, garden beds & packed equipment for disaster relief, fostering teamwork & community spirit

https://www.bunnings.com.au/campaign/trade-skills-for-teens

3. Silent Book Clubs
   In Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Gardens, Silent Book Clubs offer a quiet space for people to read together without the pressures of traditional book clubs. Participants bring their own books, fostering a low-expectation social environment that encourages genuine, comfortable connections among attendees https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/mar/09/melbourne-silent-book-clubs-feature

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4. Purple Friday Campaign
   In Ballina, the community is actively fighting domestic violence by wearing purple shirts every Friday, known as Purple Friday. This initiative spreads awareness & takes a stand against domestic violence, with over 100 local businesses, schools & organizations participating

https://rotarydownunder.com.au/2023/09/03/zone-8-unites-to-say-no-to-domestic-violence/

These projects highlight the importance of fostering social connections & healthy relationships to enhance community resilience. By participating in or supporting such initiatives, individuals can contribute to building stronger, more connected communities

For more details about each project head to https://makeachange.org.au/foodforthought-may-june/

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