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Media Release: FROM EUROBODALLA TO BONDI: PLAYDATES HELPING CHILDREN RECONNECT AFTER DISASTER AND TRAGEDY

NSW SES

Key Facts:

·         Now in its fourth year, Playdates with Emergency Services was created following the devastating 2019-20 Black Summer Bushfires to help children and families build confidence, resilience and trust in emergency services.

·         The program has supported communities recovering from major events, including the Eurobodalla bushfires, Lismore floods and the Bondi Beach tragedy, providing children with positive and reassuring interactions with emergency service personnel.

·         The event brings together 10 emergency and community service organisations.

A program that has helped children and families reconnect with emergency services following devastating bushfires, floods and community tragedies is returning to the Eurobodalla this October, with Playdates with Emergency Services bringing together emergency responders and local families for an afternoon of fun, learning and connection.

Now in its fourth year, Playdates with Emergency Services has become much more than a community event, providing children with positive experiences and helping build confidence, resilience and trust in emergency services.

The program supports communities recovering from major events, including the devastating Black Summer bushfires in Eurobodalla, floods in Lismore and the Bondi Beach tragedy.

NSW SES Eurobodalla Cluster Community Engagement Officer, Jacklyn Roque, created the Playdates with Emergency Services initiative following the devastating Black Summer Bushfires in 2019/20. She said the program had proven its value in helping children process and recover from traumatic events experienced in their communities.

"Playdates with Emergency Services continues to grow because it brings together fun, learning and meaningful community connection,” Ms Roque said.

"We've seen firsthand the positive impact these events can have on children and families, particularly in communities recovering from disasters or traumatic incidents.

"Following events such as the Eurobodalla bushfires, the Lismore floods and the Bondi Beach tragedy, Playdates provided opportunities for children to engage with emergency services in a positive and reassuring environment.

"Whether it's meeting an SES volunteer, climbing aboard a rescue vehicle, speaking with a paramedic or learning important safety messages, these interactions help children build confidence, develop trust in emergency services and create positive memories at a time when communities need support."

NSW SES Eurobodalla Local Commander, Peter Collins, said the playdates are a valuable opportunity to connect with the community.

"The continued success of Playdates with Emergency Services demonstrates just how important community engagement is in helping people feel confident and prepared," Mr Collins said.

"As we are now in storm season and may see an increase in severe weather, it's also a great reminder for everyone to take some time to prepare and understand the risks that can affect their area, " he said.

The event also showcases the strong partnership between emergency service agencies and their shared commitment to supporting safe, resilient and connected communities.

NSW SES, NSW Police, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Ambulance, Marine Rescue NSW, VRA Rescue NSW, the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service, Australian Red Cross and Fortem Australia will all attend the event, working together to build trust, strengthen local connections and support communities.

The NSW SES encourages families to come along, meet their local volunteers, and pick up resources that can help them prepare for floods and storms.

Event details

Corrigans Beach Reserve, Batehaven

Thursday 15 October 2026, 5:30pm to 7:00pm

NATA Oval, Princes Highway, Narooma

Monday 19 October 2026, 5:30pm to 7:00pm

Gundary Oval Campbell Street, Moruya

Thursday 22 October 2026, 5:30pm to 7:00pm

For more information about preparing for storms and floods, visit the NSW SES website at www.ses.nsw.gov.au.

Contact details:

 NSW SES Media on 1800 067 234 or [email protected]