The August DisasterWISE Monthly Online Get-Together brought together community members, organisers, and agency representatives to explore care as essential infrastructure when systems step back. Amanda Kelly and Millie Rooney from Australia ReMADE shared insights from the Care Through Disaster research and toolkit, highlighting how everyday acts of care - checking in on neighbours, sharing meals, fostering connection - are vital for resilience.

Participants reflected on how care functions across scales: personal preparedness, community-led initiatives, welcoming local spaces, and systemic support from government. The session also considered challenges, including risk-averse policies and the historically gendered nature of care work. A core takeaway was that care is slow, relational, and indispensable infrastructure, and sustaining it requires recognition, resourcing, and trust.

We’re grateful to everyone who contributed their insights, asked questions, and listened with care. We encourage you to continue this conversation within your communities and networks.