Natural disasters can strike without warning, and most Queenslanders know just how damaging they can be. Get Ready Queensland Week 2025 held from 7 to 11 October, was a state-wide call to action, encouraging people to think ahead and take action to prepare themselves and their communities for the severe weather season. Get Ready Week showed the power of connection between families, neighbours, local councils and emergency services and reminded everyone that being prepared is a shared responsibility.

Bringing Queensland together

Get Ready Queensland Week is our state’s biggest preparedness push, bringing together emergency services, councils, community groups and organisations to show how simple actions can save lives. The week highlights the three steps to Get Ready: know your risk, make a plan and pack a kit.

This year, the team delivered nine QRA-led events and supported more than 55 council-led activities. The week kicked off with launches at Kenmore State High School in Brisbane and The Green in Townsville, where local leaders, emergency services and our program sponsor Suncorp joined students, families and community members. Ambassador Johnathan Thurston was a highlight, meeting the community and helping share the crucial message that being prepared makes a real difference.

Anna Cartwright, Executive General Manager at Suncorp, addresses the media and event attendees at Kenmore State High School

Seeing resilience in action

In Western Queensland, our team joined Johnathan Thurston on a tour through Thargomindah, Quilpie, Cunnamulla and Charleville. At the Murweh Emergency Services Expo, we saw locals trying out hands-on demonstrations, chatting with emergency service workers and sharing stories about how they prepare for severe weather. These moments showed how resilience is built through connection and shared knowledge.

Up north, communities in Townsville, Cairns, Cardwell, Ingham and Innisfail turned everyday spaces into learning hubs. Students from Townsville Grammar North Shore Campus joined local emergency services for practical exercises and then shared morning tea with residents at St James Retirement Village. Seeing young people, first responders and older Queenslanders come together reminded us that preparedness is about people, as much as plans.

Students gather with Jonathan Thurston in Western Queensland following a game of football in the quad.

Councils leading the way

Councils played a key role in bringing Get Ready Queensland Week to life. Each event showed how local communities, volunteers and emergency services come together to share practical preparedness advice. Highlights included:

• Brisbane City Council – Emergency Services Expo

Held at Mount Gravatt Showgrounds, the expo welcomed more than 15,000 visitors. Families explored interactive displays from Police, Fire, Ambulance, SES, Surf Lifesaving and Defence. Children tried hands-on activities, while parents and carers picked up practical tips for emergency kits and evacuation plans. It was a lively, colourful day filled with learning and community connection.

• Napranum Shire Council – Community Day

Our team joined locals for a day of BBQs, giveaways and demonstrations. Residents met Queensland Ambulance, Fire & Rescue, SES and council teams, learning how to prepare their homes and families for severe weather. The event highlighted how councils can bring communities together while sharing essential preparedness knowledge.

• Noosa and Sunshine Coast Regional Councils – Regional Expo Events

In Noosa, the Get Ready event at Bunnings Noosaville attracted locals for interactive demonstrations, discussions and free resources. A few days later, the Sunshine Coast Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Services Expo at Sunshine Coast Stadium Lake Kawana Foreshore showcased collaboration across councils, SES, Fire & Rescue and community groups. Our team loved seeing the energy and enthusiasm from families, young people and volunteers alike.

• Whitsundays – Get Ready Whitsunday Song Launch

In the Whitsundays, students from local schools took centre stage to perform the Get Ready Whitsunday Song. The fun and educational tune encouraged everyone to prepare for cyclones, floods and bushfires. It was a joyful reminder that preparedness can be both practical and engaging, especially when young people lead the way.

These council-led events demonstrated the important role local governments play in building resilient, connected communities. They also gave our team the chance to see first-hand how tailored, local initiatives can make preparedness relevant, engaging and memorable.

Reaching Queenslanders

Get Ready Queensland Week is not just about events. This year our online community grew to more than 30,000 Facebook followers. In just one week, over 21,000 people created their own severe weather emergency plan on our website, contributing to more than 47,500 page views. These numbers show that the messages we share are being acted on and making a difference for Queenslanders.

Building a culture of preparedness

Although the week has ended, the conversations and connections continue, and from what we have seen, communities are taking meaningful steps to stay safe. For our team, it has been inspiring to see students, families, leaders and first responders all playing their part in building a safer, more resilient Queensland.

Get Ready Queensland Week 2025 reminded us that being prepared is a shared effort. Small steps taken today can have a big impact tomorrow, and communities across the state are now better connected, better informed and more ready to face the season ahead.

Image Credit: Joseph Byford Photography