WORKSHOPS AIM TO PREPARE FOR THE UNIMAGINABLE AS WET SEASON LOOMS

CQUniversity experts will be presenting workshops in six monsoon-affected local government areas across the north over the coming month in a bid to better prepare communities for the ‘unimaginable’.

The team of experts will present the Preparing for the Unimaginable workshops in the Burdekin, Hinchinbrook, Julia Creek, Normanton, Richmond and Townsville later in November and into December.

Businesses and local government groups are invited to attend the workshops which aim to provide attendees with strategies on how to help prepare both businesses and individuals for disaster situations such as floods and significant rain events.

Jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the

Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the workshops will be based on recent research (Preparing for the Unimaginable) that was conducted by CQUniversity experts which resulted in the development of guidelines for organisational response, and staff support before, during and after a disaster.

Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said the workshops will help strengthen the resilience of small businesses ahead of storm season.

“Preparing Queenslanders for wild weather is just as important as helping them back on their feet after, and as the backbone of communities, small businesses are absolutely critical,” Minister Farmer said.

“When we build more resilient small businesses, we build more resilient communities.

“As we approach storm season, I thank CQUniversity for working with us to deliver these workshops, which will provide important information and connections for businesses and communities in North and North West Queensland.”

Townsville-based CQUniversity researcher Dr Adele Baldwin, who led the research team, said that evidence-based guidelines would be provided at the workshops and would assist attendees in better-understanding how to provide the best support for their staff in future disaster situations.

“The research clearly showed there are practical steps which businesses and communities can take in terms of internal leadership, knowing more about their operating environment, and recognising the real impact – both direct and more hidden – that disasters like the monsoon event have,” Dr Baldwin said.

“Participants will come away with applicable and local tools for the future.”

Workshops are limited to a maximum of 15 attendees and catering will be provided. Anyone wishing to attend must register their interest by emailing monsoon19@cqu.edu.au.

WORKSHOPS INFORMATION

Normanton
Thursday, 25 November
Council Board Room
8.45 for 9am start until 12noon

Townsville
Tuesday, 30 November
CQUniversity Townsville Campus
Building 2, 2.18
8.30 for 9am start until 12noon

Burdekin
Friday, 3 December
Venue to be advised
9.45am for 10am start

Richmond
Monday, 6 December
Richmond Shire Council boardroom
8.45 for 9am start until 12noon

Julia Creek
Tuesday, 7 December
Supper Room at Civic Theatre
8.45 for 9am start until 12noon

Hinchinbrook
Friday 10 December
Venue to be advised
9.45am for 10am start