General News
28 June, 2026
What is a little ‘Birdie’ telling children at coast schools?
‘BIRDIE’ has flown into Lower Tully State School, Kennedy State School and Cardwell State School, with Cassowary Coast Regional Council community recovery and resilience officer Amber Cummins Carney delivering Birdie’s Tree resources to support conversations about growing together through natural disasters.
The resources provide children with the opportunity to learn about natural disasters in an age-appropriate way, explore their feelings and build resilience during challenging times.
Council community resilience and recovery officers are teaming up with Birdie’s Tree to support local children and families.
Birdie’s Tree is an award-winning collection of storybooks, videos and resources developed by the Queensland Centre for Perinatal and Infant Mental Health, designed to help young children understand their feelings and build resilience.
Birdie’s Tree is being brought into kindergartens, childcare centres, libraries and schools to help little minds learn big skills, from understanding emotions to bouncing back after tough days.
Children’s Health Queensland (CHQ) says stressful and disruptive events like bushfires, floods or a pandemic can be scary for young children and make them feel worried and sad. “Parents and carers may also struggle to cope when these events affect their home, work and family life,” CHQ said.
Birdie’s Tree helps support the mental health of young children and families by:
teaching young children what happens in a natural disaster
helping young children learn the words for ‘big feelings’ such as anger, fear or worry
encouraging adults to take care of themselves, so they can take care of children
sleep
learn that parents and other adults will look after them.
Learn more at www.observer.s.gy/YME93g
Read More: Cassowary Coast