As we begin 2026, natural disasters are already having an impact. The effects of former Cyclone Kohji are being felt with floods in North Queensland and as far south as Rockhampton.
They are a reminder that the time to make preparations is before a weather event hits, not while you’re in the thick of it.
For those looking after the health of our community, including our most vulnerable, this is especially true.
Medical practices, pharmacies and aged care facilities are put under extra pressure at times of extreme weather – exactly when their services are needed most.
People with injuries need to know if they can get medical attention without clogging up emergency departments. Many elderly people get anxious about whether they can still get their medications. In the days after disasters the conditions also create a higher risk of illness. In short, communities need to know when and where they can access primary care providers.
Primary Care disaster management plans include important steps like mitigation, backup and recovery plans but one plan that could be a useful addition is a Disaster Communications Plan:
- Formation of a small communications team
- Identification of stakeholders and their engagement
- Making communications accessible and inclusive
- Development of targeted messaging
- Using social media effectively
- Monitoring social media in real time
At Regional Business HQ we help primary care providers in Fraser Coast, Bundaberg, Rockhampton and Livingstone local government areas become more resilient, through the Growing Primary Care Resilience program.
Here are some simple steps you can take to become more resilient:
- Register for updates on the website: Regional Business HQ – Resilient Care
- Attend a free workshop in your area
- Invite us to present a workshop in-house to your team
- Book in for a free Organisational Resilience Guide, tailored to your organisation
If you’d like to make your practice more resilient, reach out to our team at info@businesshq.org.au to see how we can help.
