Register Your Interest for the 2026 Naturally Brave Natural Disaster Resilience NSW Program

Primary schools in the Port Macquarie, Griffith and Leeton regions of NSW are invited to submit an expression of interest for Naturally Brave 2026.

Following successful programs in 2023, 2024, and 2025 Bushfire Kids Connect, Makers Empire and Growing With Gratitude are joining forces again in 2026 to deliver a pioneering and engaging program designed to promote awareness of natural disasters and encourage resilience and empathy in students. The Naturally Brave Learning by Design program for 2026 will be delivered to 20 NSW schools in two regions:

1) Port Macquarie; and
2) Griffith and Leeton.

This project will run in terms 3-4, 2026 with limited spots for schools. The project is funded by the Australian Government National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Disaster Ready Funding (DRF) 2023/2024.

What Do Schools Receive?

Selected schools will receive a package worth a total of $8,500 comprising:

2+ teachers will participate in the Makers Empire Learning By Design program
1 x 12 months Makers Empire School Subscription (3D design software, teacher dashboard, 130 curriculum-aligned lesson plans, built-in assessment, professional development (PD), ongoing support, updates and maintenance).
Access to the Naturally Brave Challenge Course in the Makers Empire 3D App. challenge course.
1 x Flashforge Adventurer 5M Pro 3D printer, rolls of PLA filament, support, training ands shipping.
Print credits to Makers Empire 3D print bureau.
Hospitality for PD days and Showcase Days
12-month subscription to the Growing With Gratitude fully resourced online program, which includes lessons, activities, games, display posters and more to help support student wellbeing.
A copy of Growing With Gratitude: Building Resilience, Happiness & Mental Wellbeing in Our Schools & Homes for each staff member of a school.

What Do Schools Commit To?

Each participating school will:

Provide release for 1.5 days for 2-5 participating classroom teachers (not IT technicians or non-teaching staff).
Project to start with teachers attending 1 face-to-face professional learning day in Term 3, week 2 or 3 (schools cover TRT expenses). Project completion with teachers and students attending a Showcase Day in Term 4, week 7 or 8 (schools arrange transport and cover TRT expenses).
Support capacity building of teachers through facilitation of ‘flow-on’ professional learning at their sites.

Participating teachers will:

Attend 1 face-to-face professional learning day in your state in term 3, week 2 or 3, 2025.
Participate in professional learning communities.
Year 3-7 students complete a ready-made, in-app Challenge Course – approx. 4-5 lessons. The Challenge Course is based around Natural Disaster awareness and wellness.
Attend, with nominated students, the Showcase Day (1/2 day) in Term 4, week 7 or 8 in your state.
Participate in data collection and share their learning experiences with others.

Register Your Expression of Interest Now

This project will run in terms 3-4, 2026 with strictly limited spots for schools. The early bird gets the worm! Early bird expressions of interest close Friday, November 14th, 2025 so register your interest now.