Most Australians believe disasters happen to someone else. Until they don't.

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The reality is that emergencies are no longer rare events, with 2026 research commissioned by Australian Red Cross showing more than five in six Australians experiencing a disaster or emergency in their lifetime.

As floods, bushfires, storms, cyclones and heatwaves become an increasingly familiar part of life, Australians have learnt some hard-won lessons. Among them, one stands out: resilience starts long before an emergency occurs.

Resilience begins with connection. It is built through the everyday relationships that bring communities together long before disaster strikes: the neighbour who helps clear a fallen tree after a storm, the volunteer who checks on vulnerable residents during a heatwave, or the community group sharing trusted information ahead of a flood.

These connections might seem simple, but they are often the difference between communities that struggle in a crisis and those that are able to adapt, recover and support one another.

Throughout my career, I have seen the lasting impact disasters can have on individuals and communities.

The effects extend well beyond the immediate damage, and impact doesn't end when the floodwaters recede or the fire front passes.

This can often contribute to ill mental health, financial hardship, relationship breakdowns, educational disruption and social isolation. Almost six in 10 parents whose household experienced an emergency say it had a noticeable impact on their children.

While we cannot prevent every emergency, we can lessen their impact. When people have a plan,........

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