Reusable Engagement Resources

Mobile Engagement Kit

Create a portable kit that can be taken to multiple locations, including:

• Media wall
• A-frame corflutes
• Tablecloth and printed materials
• QR codes to dashboards and alerts

Media Wall (Approx. $600 – One-off cost)

A printed media wall is a highly effective, reusable engagement tool that can be used across multiple locations and events throughout the year.

How it can be used

• As a backdrop for staffed or unstaffed activations
• At community events, drop-in sessions, shopping centres or council buildings
• To prompt conversations rather than deliver one-way messaging

Suggested content

• A timeline of disaster events from the past 10-20 years within the local government area
• Local imagery that residents recognise
• Conversation starters such as “Do you remember this event?”
• A QR code linking to the council disaster dashboard so residents can bookmark it on their phone

Design and cost

• Media wall printing costs are approximately $600
• Creative design can be completed by Get Ready Queensland’s Graphic Designer at no cost
• The asset can be reused multiple times, increasing value for money

Pop-up Engagement at Existing Community Events

Booking a space at an existing community event allows councils to reach residents who may not actively seek out preparedness information.

Suggested events include

• Local shows, rodeos and community days
• 4WD, boating, fishing or camping expos
• Agricultural events such as Beef Week
• University Open Week or campus events
• Farmers markets

Why this works

• Built-in foot traffic
• Casual, low-pressure conversations
• Opportunity to reach diverse audiences

Partnerships
Partnering with trusted stakeholders can strengthen engagement outcomes and credibility, including:

• SES
• Rural Fire Brigade
• Queensland Police Service (QPS)
• Land for Wildlife
• Marine Rescue
• Other local response or environmental groups

Estimated cost

• Site or stall fees can cost up to $2,000, depending on the event
• Costs can often be reduced by sharing space with partners like QFD, QPS, QAS or even your neighbouring council.

Shopping Centre or Mall Activation

Activations in shopping centres or malls allow councils to engage residents during everyday activities.

Format

• Unstaffed activation
• Display, Media wall and A-frame corflute signage
• QR codes linking to the disaster dashboard and alert subscription service

Creative approach

• Create visual impact to draw attention, such as:
  • A staged “backyard” scene impacted by a severe thunderstorm
  • Fallen branches, outdoor furniture, temporary fencing or tarps
• Use signage to prompt questions and conversations

Props and materials

• Props can be hired, purchased or borrowed
• Councils are encouraged to contact their local waste facility or tip shop for reusable outdoor furniture/props
• Astro turf can be purchased using GRQ funding if the activation will be reused multiple times throughout the year
• Leverage your council’s internal core functions. In the photos above, the tree branches and leaves were collected over the course of a week by council field staff through routine parks maintenance, the bins were borrowed from the council depot, and the trees were loaned at no cost by council’s preferred nursery supplier.

Key messaging

• Promote local alert and warning services
• Encourage residents to subscribe on the spot via QR codes
• Highlight simple actions residents can take now

Estimated cost

• Site fees for one week can cost up to $2,000, depending on the shopping centre/mall
• Costs can often be reduced by sharing activation and messaging with partners like QFD, SES, QPS, QAS or even your neighbouring council.

Seniors Disaster Preparedness Morning Tea or Lunch

Budget: Up to $2,000

A welcoming and inclusive engagement designed to connect with seniors, share practical disaster preparedness information, and encourage conversations through lived experience and local knowledge.

What it looks like

Host a relaxed morning tea or lunch at a council-owned venue or at an aged care facility, where seniors can come together to learn, share stories and ask questions about preparing for local disaster risks such as heatwaves, storms, floods or cyclones.

The session can include short, informal talks, table discussions and practical tips delivered in a friendly, accessible way.

Suggested program

• Welcome and acknowledgement by the Mayor, Councillor or local community leader
• Short presentation from council or local emergency services on staying prepared and safe
• Group discussion encouraging seniors to share past experiences and lessons learned
• Practical tips on emergency kits, medication planning, pets and support networks
• Time for conversation over morning tea or lunch

Cost-saving opportunities

• Use council-owned venues such as community halls, seniors centres or civic spaces
• Leverage council staff, local SES, RFS or QFES for presentations
• Invite the Mayor or local figures as guest speakers at no cost
• Simple catering (sandwiches, slices, tea and coffee) through local suppliers or council contracts
• Printed handouts, magnets and other items  

Estimated budget breakdown

• Venue hire: $0 (council-owned facility)
• Catering: $800–$1,200
• Table signage and resources: $200–$400
• Accessibility support (transport assistance, large-print materials if required): $200

Total: Under $2,000

Rolling Preparedness Messaging – Vehicle or Trailer Wrap

Budget: Up to $2,000

A highly visible, low-maintenance engagement that uses an existing council vehicle or trailer as a mobile platform to raise awareness of local disaster risks and preparedness actions.

What it looks like

Wrap an existing council-owned vehicle, truck or trailer with high-impact preparedness messaging tailored to local hazards such as severe thunderstorms, floods, cyclones and/or bushfires. Once wrapped, the vehicle becomes a rolling awareness tool, seen at community events, worksites, parks, depots and throughout the local area during day-to-day operations.

Messaging can include short prompts such as:

• Know your local risks
• Make a plan
• Have an emergency kit
• Stay informed
• A QR code linking to council's disaster dashboard or Get Ready Queensland preparedness information

Cost-saving opportunities

• Use an existing council vehicle or trailer already in regular circulation
• Select partial wraps or high-visibility decals rather than full wraps
• Design support provided through QRA (we'll need the specs of the vehicle)
• Use durable materials for long-term use across multiple seasons and events

Estimated budget breakdown

• Design: $0 (internal or GRQ support)
• Printing and installation (partial wrap or decals): $1,200–$1,800
• Contingency or minor updates: $200

Total: Up to $2,000

CALD Communities Disaster Preparedness Session

Budget: Up to $2,000

A culturally inclusive engagement designed to support Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) community members to understand local disaster risks, emergency warnings and preparedness actions in a safe, trusted and accessible environment.

What it looks like

Host a small-group information session or community gathering for CALD residents, delivered in partnership with local multicultural organisations, community leaders or faith groups. The session focuses on practical, locally relevant preparedness information, supported by interpreters and translated materials where needed.

The engagement can be delivered as a morning tea, afternoon session or evening gathering, depending on community preference.

Key elements

• Welcome by a trusted community leader or council representative
• Short, plain-language presentation on local disaster risks and warnings
• Explanation of what to do before, during and after a disaster
• Focus on emergency alerts, evacuation information and where to get help
• Time for questions, discussion and shared experiences
• Interpreter support throughout the session

Cost-saving opportunities

• Use council-owned venues or community spaces such as halls or civic centres
• Partner with local multicultural organisations to promote the session
• Leverage council or emergency services staff as presenters
• Provide digital resources via QR codes to reduce printing
• Deliver translated materials in priority languages only

Estimated budget breakdown

• Venue hire: $0 (council-owned facility)
• Interpreters / translators (2–3 hours): $600–$1,000
• Catering (light refreshments): $400–$600
• Translation of key handouts or signage: $200–$300
• Community facilitation or materials: $100–$200

Total: Under $2,000

First Nations Community Disaster Preparedness Gathering

Budget: Up to $2,000

A culturally respectful, community-led engagement that supports First Nations peoples to share knowledge, experiences and practical disaster preparedness information relevant to local Country and community needs.

What it looks like

Host a yarning circle, community BBQ or shared meal in partnership with local Elders, Traditional Owners or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations. The gathering provides space for two-way learning, combining lived experience, cultural knowledge and local disaster preparedness information.

The focus is on listening, relationship-building and supporting households and families to prepare for local hazards in ways that align with community priorities.

Key elements

• Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country (as appropriate)
• Opening remarks from Elders or respected community leaders
• Informal yarning about past disaster experiences and impacts on Country
• Short, practical preparedness discussion led by council or emergency services
• Information on warnings, evacuation, caring for family, Elders and pets
• Shared meal and time for conversation

Cost-saving opportunities

• Use council-owned venues or community spaces on Country
• Partner with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations
• Engage council disaster staff and local emergency services as speakers
• Keep materials simple and visual
• Use digital resources and QR codes where appropriate

Estimated budget breakdown

• Venue hire: $0 (council or community space)
• Catering (BBQ or shared meal): $800
• Elder participation, cultural facilitation or support costs: $800-1,200
• Printed or visual resources: $100–$200
• Transportation fees (bus or mini bus) - $350

Total: Under $2,000

Community impact

• Strengthens relationships and trust between council and community
• Recognises and values cultural knowledge and lived experience
• Supports culturally safe disaster preparedness conversations
• Encourages family and community-led planning
• Builds longer-term engagement for future resilience activities

Cultural considerations

• Co-design the session with community leaders
• Allow time and flexibility for yarning and storytelling
• Avoid overly formal presentations
• Respect cultural protocols and local guidance
• Ensure follow-up actions are communicated back to the community

Community Movie Night – Dinner Date with a Disaster

Budget: Up to $2,000

A family-friendly community engagement that uses a free outdoor movie night to spark conversations about disaster preparedness in a relaxed setting.

What it looks like

Host a free community movie night in a council park, community space or drive-in style setup. The feature film is a natural disaster movie, making preparedness top of mind while families enjoy a social evening together.

Alongside the movie, council and local emergency services set up with response vehicles and equipment, giving children and families an up-close, hands-on experience with the people and tools that help keep the community safe.

A free sausage sizzle helps draw attendance and creates a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere.

Event elements

• Free outdoor movie screening (disaster-themed)
• Free sausage sizzle for attendees
• Emergency services and council vehicles on display
• Opportunity for kids to explore vehicles and ask questions
• Council and emergency services staff available to chat informally
• Take-home disaster preparedness packs for households

Cost-saving opportunities

• Use a council-owned park, oval or community space
• Partner with SES, RFS, QFES, police or council teams for vehicles and displays
• Leverage council staff and volunteers for event delivery
• Use digital QR codes in take-home packs to reduce printing costs
• Promote through council channels and community networks

Estimated budget breakdown

• Movie screening rights: ~$500
• Sausage sizzle (food and supplies): $500–$1,000
• Venue hire: $0 (council-owned space)
• Take-home preparedness packs and signage: $200–$400
• Incidentals (waste, lighting, small equipment hire): $100–$200

Total: Under $2,000