Neighbours with Benefits: Why Strong Communities Bounce Back Faster from Disasters

Watching the community relief efforts following the Grampians Bushfire and Cyclone Alfred has been a real eye-opener. As the Climate Council’s Too Close to Home findings report points out, when disaster strikes, we’re usually the ones knee-deep in it—so we rarely get the luxury of seeing it from an outsider’s perspective. It’s a reminder that when disaster strikes, it’s not just emergency services or government agencies stepping in—it’s everyday people, neighbours helping neighbours, and community groups rallying together. Turns out, the mum or bloke next door with a chainsaw and a knack for fixing things is just as important as the official response teams—because let’s be real, bureaucracy doesn’t clear fallen trees or get your power back on nearly as fast as a determined local with a chainsaw or generator and a can-do attitude.

Time and again, we see that strong, connected communities are the ones that recover the fastest. Why? Because they already know how to work together. They’ve built relationships, trust, and a natural system of support—what the experts call social capital. We just call it looking out for your mates.

At Mums of the Hills, we’ve seen firsthand how much relationships matter in tough times. Over the last ten years, we haven’t just built a network—we’ve built a community based on trust, shared values, and looking out for one another. These kinds of bonds don’t just happen overnight; they take time, commitment, and real effort. That’s what makes our community strong, and why groups like ours need the funding and support to keep doing what we do best—helping people when they need it most.

Research indicates that communities with strong social connections and organised, community-led groups tend to recover more effectively from disasters. This is because of something called social capital, which refers to the networks, trust, and shared values that allow communities to work together effectively. It’s not about money or physical infrastructure—it’s about people knowing and supporting one another.

Political scientist Daniel P. Aldrich, in his book Building Resilience: Social Capital in Post-Disaster Recovery, found that communities with strong social networks recover more quickly and effectively than those with weaker ties. His research even suggests that social capital can be more critical than physical infrastructure in determining the speed and quality of recovery.

Research also shows that when people work together to manage distressing events, they pool resources, offer emotional support, and create a sense of solidarity. This collective effort significantly improves disaster response and long-term recovery. At the same time, disasters expose both the strengths and weaknesses of social structures. While crises can bring communities closer together, they also highlight existing social inequalities, making community-driven initiatives even more vital, as they provide tailored support where it’s needed most.

At Mums of the Hills, we’ve seen the power of strong social networks at work. Our group isn’t just about sharing parenting advice—it’s a lifeline. Whether it’s offering emergency relief services, helping mums access mental health support, or rallying together in times of crisis, our community has become a vital source of strength and resilience.

Disasters don’t just cause physical destruction—they also create deep isolation. When homes are lost, infrastructure is damaged, and daily routines are disrupted, people can feel cut off from their support networks. This isolation can be especially tough for families, the elderly, and those already facing vulnerabilities. Social ties that once provided security may suddenly feel fragile or inaccessible.

Reducing isolation is at the heart of Mums of the Hills’ mission. When disasters like bushfires or storms hit, we don’t just wait for outside help—we mobilise, check on each other, and share resources. This quick, on-the-ground response is something only deeply connected communities can do. By keeping those connections strong, we ensure that no one is left alone in times of crisis.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mums of the Hills played a crucial role in reducing isolation. Recognising the mental health challenges brought on by lockdowns, we launched virtual meetups, online support forums, and resource-sharing initiatives to ensure mums remained connected and supported. And who could forget the fantastic written talents of author Elissa McKay, who wrote daily on our platform about local, national, and global news? Her talent with words and humour reduced anxiety in our community and made prompt work of any misinformation. These efforts helped maintain social ties and provided a much-needed sense of community during a time of extreme uncertainty.

In the June 2021 storms, severe weather wreaked havoc in the Dandenong Ranges, causing mass power outages, loss of telecommunication and significant property damage. Mums of the Hills coordinated efforts to get generators to local residents, ensuring those without power had essential access to electricity. We became the conduit between the community, the wider population, local businesses, government services, and NGOs, including charities. By collecting and disseminating information, connecting resources through our network, and identifying the most vulnerable, we ensured that those who needed support the most received timely assistance.

The February 2024 storms once again tested our resilience. With experience from past crises, we expanded our disaster response efforts. With our new place-based hub, we were able to provide a place to recharge phones and receive hot meals. We also collaborated with charities to deliver meals to relief centres. These actions reinforced our commitment to ensuring no one in our community felt alone in the aftermath of a disaster.

Community charity Resilient Lismore is a testament to community-led disaster response

A powerful example of this is Resilient Lismore, a community-driven group that has been instrumental in helping residents rebuild after major floods and now Cyclone Alfred. Resilient Lismore has connected volunteers, essential supplies, and support services directly with those in need—work that no government agency could replicate at the same scale or speed. Their Repair to Return program has helped people move back into their homes, proving that community-led recovery efforts are not just effective—they’re essential.

Why Community Groups Need More Funding

Despite their proven effectiveness, grassroots community groups often struggle for funding. Unlike large charities or government agencies, these groups operate on shoestring budgets, fueled mostly by volunteers and local donations.

Investing in community organisations like Mums of the Hills Inc and Resilient Lismore means investing in resilience. With proper funding, we can expand our reach, improve resources, and strengthen social bonds through community events, workshops, and mutual aid initiatives. These efforts ensure fast, coordinated disaster response and long-term community strength.

Disasters will always happen. But how well a community recovers depends largely on the strength of its social connections.

At Mums of the Hills, we know that a community isn’t just a template you can copy. You can replicate structures, but you can’t replicate trust and engagement. That takes time, effort, and real relationships. This is why supporting and funding grassroots community groups should be a priority. Because when the next disaster hits, it won’t be just emergency services responding—it will be us, our neighbors, and our community standing together.

It's time to recognise the true value of social capital and ensure that community-led groups have the resources they need to keep our communities strong and resilient.

If you believe in the power of local communities, help spread the word! Share this article and advocate for better funding for grassroots groups. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected, and disaster-resilient future.

Support Mums of the Hills Inc

Mums of the Hills (MotHs) is a thriving community of over 7,700 online members in Melbourne’s Yarra Ranges, dedicated to reducing the impact of social isolation on mental health and well-being. We’re is more than just a Facebook group, more than a support group—Mums of the Hills is a movement.

Our mission is clear: to advance social and public welfare by addressing the challenges that make motherhood isolating. Mental and physical health struggles, financial hardship, family violence—these are not just individual problems; they are community issues.

Without government funding, we rely on community and business support to continue our work. If you believe motherhood is worthy of financial support, or if your business wants to reach a highly engaged and loyal community, please consider donating or subscribing to Mums of the Hills. At $62 for a community subscription per year—(less than the cost of a coffee a month)—it’s the best investment you can make in your community.

Social isolation should not be the price of motherhood. The work we do is not just important—it is essential. And together, we will keep pushing until the systemic barriers that isolate mothers are broken down.