Flood project celebrates community spirit

A UQ academic is working to capture the essence of community resilience following the devastating Queensland floods.

Dr Nicole George, who was personally affected by the disaster, is researching the importance of social capital and community resilience in partnership with Volunteering Queensland, Simon Finn MP, State Member for Yeerongpilly and Jo Anne Miller MP, State Member for Bundamba.

The project focuses on two communities hit hard hit by the floods, Goodna and Fairfield, to understand how resilient communities are maintained and strengthened.

Dr George, a post-doctoral researcher and associate lecturer within the School of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS), has also identified a number of new student research projects as part of her work.

“The community resilience project offers students an important opportunity to gain valuable experience by employing research techniques in a tangible and practical setting,” Dr George said.

“The support for the project has been overwhelming, we are very grateful to Mr Finn and Ms Miller who have been very generous with their offers of time and their willingness to meet and discuss the project with students.”

As the flood recovery enters a new phase, affected residents are asking themselves how they can maintain the community connections that provided important support in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.

The project will involve working with local community groups as well as flood-affected residents to examine the measures that endure beyond an immediate crisis and remain successful in the longer term.

Both Members of Parliament and Volunteering Queensland hope to draw on the results of the study to inform their future community support initiatives.

Media: Naomi Smith (07 3365 3308, naomi.smith@uq.edu.au)