AFTER enduring several tough years of drought, the residents of the Regional Council of Goyder are looking at new ways to keep connected, as traditional methods are not an option.
Council community engagement officer Barb Button said those who lived locally were "really resilient".
"Going through the drought, people came together and supported each other, but this is traditionally done through events and sports and coming together, like with Day in the Dust," she said.
With the stress of the coronavirus pandemic, she said they had needed to get creative, which led to the development of the Goyder Giving Project.
"We're looking at ways we can still provide that support and connection, with opportunities to look out for each other," she said.
"There is a lot of information coming through about how to cope, so council is working with other agencies for a few ways that are specific to us and our community."
Ms Button said there were a large number of vulnerable people living locally.
"Goyder is a region with more than 30 per cent of its population over 60 years of age, and 10pc of those residents are aged over 75," she said.
"While we are keeping physically distant and staying at home, it is more important than ever that we remain socially and emotionally connected."
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One of the ways council has tried to build this connection is through 'Hi Neighbour' cards, which are a way of offering support.
The cards can be downloaded from the council website, filled in and placed in mailboxes.
"It's just to say 'I'm available and here are the ways I can help'," Ms Button said.
She said the idea was to create a "buddy system" where vulnerable residents would have someone looking out for them.
A key part of the program is ensuring mental health is looked after.
The council has worked with local psychologist and farmer - and SA Rural Woman of the Year - Steph Schmidt to develop a program specific to Goyder.
Ms Button said the goal was easy-to-understand information that could be shared directly with residents, businesses and the farming communities, while linking in with researched strategies.
It uses six core strategies for individuals to put in place in an easy to remember method:
- Acknowledge and name uncomfortable feelings;
- Breathe and Be present;
- Connect with others;
- Do what matters;
- Engage in what you are doing; and
- Focus on what's in your control.
The project also includes ideas for residents to get creative.
Council arts facilitator Sarah Cheesmur has devised a local alternative to the teddy bear hunts seen in other towns, asking for residents to use their environment to display faces in different forms.
"People say they miss seeing people's faces," Ms Button said.
"It's a way to connect and build community spirit in a time of reduced physical interaction. It can also get children involved while they're at home."
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With sport such a major part of the community, the council is also looking at helping people to maintain their fitness and activity with the small steps program.
"It provides ideas on how community members can start with small steps in their daily activity, whether at home or work, and how to gradually increase duration, frequency and intensity over time," Ms Button said.
She said the goal was to provide easy ways for Goyder residents to deal with the new situation.
"Some of these ideas can even continue after this crisis, like the idea of having buddies throughout the area," she said.
- Details: goyder.sa.gov.au
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