In a Queensland first, CHQ Get Ready Day saw the Queensland Children’s Hospital transformed into a proactive disaster readiness hub, preparing the paediatric community with knowledge and resources to confidently respond to extreme weather events and emergencies.
Patients, their families, and staff had the opportunity to learn practical ways to prepare for disasters and discover how to protect the planet – all without leaving the hospital.
From first responders to sustainability services, more than a dozen organisations came together to offer expert advice, provide helpful resources and raise awareness about the importance of preparing for the unpredictable.
Clinical Nurse Consultant Disruption and Disaster Management Unit, Martinique Lambert, said Tropical Cyclone Alfred was a stark reminder of the importance of community readiness.
“We received feedback that a lot of people didn’t know how to prepare themselves, so we created this event to help community members create a plan and feel safe, whether that’s at home or at work,” Ms Lambert said.
“There are some families in hospital that don’t have the opportunity to attend external disaster readiness events, so we thought – why not bring the event to them?”
“We are Queenslanders, we are resilient, and we can be prepared for anything,” she said.
In true Children’s Health Queensland style, there was something for all ages. Therapy dogs received plenty of pats, there were colouring books, emergency vehicles, and even the chance to learn about native bees and take a look inside a beehive.
“We know disasters can be scary, especially for children, so it’s important to have the whole family involved in getting ready,” Ms Lambert said.
Top tips to protect our planet were also on offer, with several stallholders sharing environmentally sustainable incentives and ideas to help reduce disaster risk and our impact on the ecosystem.
Sustainability Consultant for Children's Health Queensland, Renae McBrien, said sustainability and disaster readiness are closely linked, with a healthy environment playing a key role in reducing the impact of extreme events. “We were grateful to welcome all of our sustainability partners to Get Ready Day. Their work, from recycling to repurposing initiatives, help us look after the planet tand build resilience in our communities,” Ms McBrien said.
“This event not only raised awareness about how to care for our environment, but it has also strengthened connections between community organisations. These relationships are important when it comes to responding to disasters or disruptions, helping us to work more effectively when it matters most.”
CHQ Get Ready Day is inspired by Get Ready Queensland Week that runs from October 6-12 and is an annual statewide call to action, helping communities prepare for extreme weather and disasters.
CHQ will be launching Get Ready Queensland Week in 2026, so keep an eye out for our next event.
To find out more, visit: Get Ready Queensland