When out-of-control bushfires tore through the Adelaide Hills village of Cudlee Creek, Caroline Williamson’s family was devastated. They lost their home when most of their land and property was destroyed and saw their entire community, including their beloved local school, suffer.

“Our family’s healing journey was only possible through the community that held us up”, says the mother of 3 of the bushfire aftermath, which burned more than 23,253 hectares and destroyed 98 homes in the Adelaide Hills.

From deep tragedy and loss, Caroline saw an opportunity to guide her community forward and hatched the concept of ‘Resilient Lenswood’.

“Resilience means more than bouncing back — it’s about equipping our children with emotional strength, a sense of belonging and the tools to face adversity with hope, just as we had to after the bushfires”, says Caroline.

Working collaboratively with the school leadership at Lenswood Primary School, Caroline – a passionate advocate for community mental health and wellbeing – has devoted countless volunteer hours to developing and leading a Parents in Education funded project to:

• embed disaster resilience education into curriculum
• empower students to create meaningful change
• prepare for climate emergencies and natural disasters
• foster safety and inclusivity for students
• support one another in times of crisis
• draw on strengths and values of the community
• bolster local community ties.

For Caroline, it's a wonderful reward to see Lenswood Primary School students being empowered to grow from the challenges that arrived at their doorstep when the fire took hold just days before Christmas in 2019.

“By connecting with the land, understanding community and learning from the expertise and cultural wisdom of others, students are discovering their power to heal, care and lead with purpose”, she says.

The project’s success is driven by “deep partnerships between school, families and community, all pulling together to support our kids to thrive”, Caroline says.

In 2021, Lenswood Primary School was ‘highly commended’ at the Resilient Australia Awards for the school’s role in community recovery and wellbeing after the bushfires, as well as the school’s creation of professional learning resources for educators following a traumatic event.

Recently, the school received a welcome boost of $5000 in Parents in Education funding from the Department for Education.

The annual funding supports projects that empower parents to develop strong and positive partnerships with schools and preschools, fostering collaboration for safer, more inclusive environments. The program also aims to enhance parents' skills in supporting their children's wellbeing and safety discussions.

To learn more about Parents in Education funded projects, see Parents in Education funding for government school and preschool communities.