When catastrophic floods cut off communities across the Mid North Coast in May 2025, Matilda Ryan was one of the many residents isolated.
“I was basically stuck on an island with no food, power, or water,” the Year 6 student from St Joseph’s Primary School Wingham said.
For Matilda and her peers, this experience of being trapped during a natural disaster became the driving force behind an innovative solution aimed at protecting homes in
the future.
Matilda, along with students from across NSW, participated in the Naturally Brave program, delivered by SA EdTech company Makers Empire in partnership with
local charity Bushfire Kids Connect and Growing with Gratitude.
Naturally Brave was part of a larger initiative to help students understand their local disaster risks and how to develop solutions to reduce those risks.
The program, funded by the Australian Government’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Disaster Ready Fund, also encouraged students to think about the
broader impacts of climate change and how they can become part of the solution to future natural disasters.
It culminated in a showcase, held at the Westport Club in Port Macquarie on November 26.
Matilda and fellow students Mia Nash and Bella Doan created “Saver Straps”, a free wristband design featuring a tracker and pulse checker that automatically alerts first
responders and family if the wearer’s pulse stops.
Bella said the recent floods took a heavy toll on the community, and this device was designed to help people during any natural disaster.
“The floods in May were really hard on us so we created something that can help us for future events,” she said.
Both Matilda and Bella said they were concerned about the increasing threat of natural disasters due to climate change.
“I wish there were more programs in schools for kids affected by these disasters,”
Matilda said. “We need to be further educated in these subjects.”
To read full article head to: Flood-hit students from MidCoast NSW find solutions to future risks | Manning River Times | Taree, NSW
