It was the extreme weather event that most people didn't see coming. Six months on from Cyclone Alfred, and the community is still feeling the very real and lasting impacts of recovery.

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Extreme rainfall, flooding, destructive winds and massive power outages across northeastern NSW and southeastern Queensland, had the nation on edge. Cyclone Alfred caught many in its pathway, completely off guard.

Many of the communities affected were simply not prepared for the full force of what Cyclone Alfred delivered and are experiencing a lengthy and challenging recovery. Homes, businesses and community infrastructure are still being rebuilt.

As Australian Red Cross volunteers will tell you, physical structures can be restored, but it's the emotional impact that has long-lasting effects. These are invisible scars that can manifest in any number of psychological, relational and emotional ways, long after the event has passed.

Cyclone Alfred is a case study of the fact that disasters and emergencies can happen to anyone, anytime, regardless of where you live.

Just as governments and industry are investing in infrastructure and built environment adaptation, the Australian Red Cross is investing in people and communities to adapt and build the social and emotional resilience needed to live with a changing climate and more frequent extreme weather.

We must accept that in Australia, the full force of Mother Nature is felt right around the country, whether that is flood, fire, heat or wind. Physical and emotional preparation ahead of time is vital for........

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