The last five years have tested the service and support mechanisms that seek to mitigate the impact of community-wide crises across New South Wales (NSW). Although these community crises have been diverse, from military-enforced lockdowns to devastating fires and floods, there is an opportunity to reflect on what supports make the most difference to community recovery and growth in such circumstances.

This paper explores the perspectives of two communities in NSW – Northern Rivers and South Western Sydney, drawing on their lived experiences of community-wide crises to establish what community resilience means and how it is best supported. The insights from these communities reveal policy opportunities for the NSW Government that could boost community resilience in future. The report highlights the need for long-term community spaces that foster collaboration and strengthen resilience.

Policy opportunities

1. Position social cohesion as a whole-of-government priority through the following opportunities.
2. Invest in core local infrastructure that scaffolds collaboration and cohesion.
3. Support healing through community-building activities.
4. Ensure equity is a key value in disaster response.
5. Support community hubs by endorsing a community hub framework.
6. Establish a peak body to promote community hubs.