Sunshine Coast Council's Disaster Management Team has been recognised for their efforts in educating our youngest residents on disaster resilience at last night's 2019 Get Ready Queensland Resilient Australia Awards.
Council's Get Ready Schools Program won the local government category, alongside Redland City Council's Community Champions initiative, and will now be considered for nomination in the National Resilient Australia Award.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said he was delighted with the accolade and commended the team on receiving well-deserved recognition for building resilience within our youth.
"The disaster preparedness education delivered through council's Get Ready Schools Program ensures that young people are part of the disaster conversation," Mayor Jamieson said.
"Our officers visit schools throughout the region, presenting interactive sessions and running fun activities with upper primary classes.
"Providing our youth with the essential knowledge and tools means they can provide meaningful assistance to their own families and communities in planning and preparing for disasters and emergencies.
"We know that communities who are well prepared and aware before a disaster occurs, are more resilient and able to recover faster."
In 2019 the team took the program to another level, launching the Sunshine Coast Get Ready Schools Competition which challenged students to create an engaging video to highlight the importance of having a 'What If Plan'.
"Jorja and Portia from Brightwater State School were the winners of this creative competition and will feature in our upcoming Get Ready Queensland Week campaign (October 13 – 19)," Mayor Jamieson said.
"They were mentored by a Sunshine Coast marketing agency to take their entry to the next level.
"Keep an eye out for their television, radio and social media campaign, which will be spreading the word about disaster preparedness to our entire community.
"Throughout the year the team also take every opportunity to connect with our youngsters, holding community engagement stalls at community events."
Now in its 20th year, the Get Ready Queensland Resilient Australia Awards celebrate innovation and best practice in disaster preparation and resilience and are open to all Queenslanders.
Get Ready Queensland is a Queensland Government initiative designed to provide information and advice on how to be prepared in the instance of dangerous weather conditions.
Image: Council's Disaster Resilience Officer Lynda Fraser presenting to school students.
