Helping 100,000 kids get disaster ready

This month, Australian Red Cross marks a decade of helping young Australians build resilience through the much-loved Pillowcase Workshop. Since launching in 2015, the program has reached 100,000 children, giving them the skills and confidence to face emergencies.

Inspired by students in New Orleans, USA, who used pillowcases to carry belongings while evacuating during Hurricane Katrina, the Pillowcase Workshop teaches children aged 8 to 10 how to prepare for disasters. Through hands-on activities, they learn to pack essential items in a pillowcase and practise self-regulation techniques - like ‘breathing with colour’ - to stay calm before, during, and after emergencies.

Since 2015, Australian Red Cross has delivered the country’s first nationally standardised Disaster Resilience Education program, officially recognised by the Australian Government. Led by dedicated volunteers, these workshops go beyond preparedness, equipping children with the confidence to stay safe and in control during emergencies.

Emphasising the importance of the program, Australian Red Cross Executive Director State and Territory Operations Jai O’Toole said the Pillowcase Workshops, held in high-risk areas, are a cornerstone of the organisation’s resilience programming.

“By strengthening resilience - especially in children, who are among the most vulnerable - we can ensure they feel safe, in control and ready to respond physically and emotionally for any number of challenging situations they may face,” he said.

Small actions, big impact

A 2023 study published in The International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction highlighted the program’s impact. Children who attended Pillowcase Workshops retained and applied their preparedness skills in real-life emergencies. During a bushfire, caregivers and teachers noticed that children who had participated in the workshops stayed calm, used self-regulation strategies, and packed their pillowcases as emergency kits. The research reinforces that while children are vulnerable in disasters, they can also play an active role in preparedness when given the right tools.

Many children take these lessons home, helping their families prepare for emergencies. One volunteer shared, "I visited a school a few years after a fire had gone through the area. A student told me their sister had attended a Pillowcase Workshop before the fire and had helped the whole family prepare by making lists and packing kits. They said it made a huge difference during such a stressful time.

"Another student took what they learned in the workshop and made identification lanyards for their family and friends to wear in case they had to evacuate. After the fire, their family mentioned how much it helped, and it was all thanks to that student’s initiative."

None of this would be possible without the incredible Pillowcase volunteer facilitators and trainers who deliver these workshops across the country. Their dedication ensures more children gain the knowledge and confidence to prepare for disasters.

Australian Red Cross is proud of the support of long-standing partner Australia Post who, since 2023, has supported the delivery of the program to reach over 6,000 students annually.

Building resilience for the future

The Pillowcase Workshop is just one-way Australian Red Cross is strengthening community resilience. With disasters becoming more frequent and severe, the need for these programs has never been greater. In 2024, Australian Red Cross responded to twice as many disaster events as the previous year. To continue meeting the growing needs of communities, more volunteers are needed to provide vital social and emotional support.

Looking ahead, Australian Red Cross remains committed to empowering children with the knowledge and confidence to navigate emergencies.

To learn more about the Pillowcase Workshop or register for a session, visit Pillowcase Workshops.