General News
30 August, 2023
Cyclone awareness yarns
CAIRNS Regional Council has partnered with The Pyjama Foundation to increase cyclone awareness among local foster families ahead of the upcoming wet season.
The council has donated activity story books about staying safe in cyclones and heavy rain to local Pyjama Angel volunteers.
Families will learn about safety in extreme weather events through the eyes of a small bird and his animal friends.
Deputy Mayor Terry James, who is chairman of the local disaster management group, said the council gifted the books titled 'Birdie and the Cyclone' and 'Birdie and the Flood' to provide new reading material and raise awareness about cyclone and flood preparation.
“We live in the wet tropics, so we want everyone in our community to be confident and aware of how to stay safe in cyclones and flood events,” he said.
“Educating children early is the best way to build confidence and resilience, and through this type of learning with older children or adults telling the story, the whole family benefits from the information.”
The series of stories related to natural disasters were developed by infant mental health specialists and are targeted at children aged under 6 years and can be told through the use of hand puppets.
Cr James said the council was thrilled to support the Pyjama Foundation and their incredible work while raising awareness of the upcoming wet season. “There is a network of around 50 Pyjama Angels active in the Cairns area. They provide children in foster care with positive interactions and learning-based mentoring through reading," he said.
