As we head into disaster preparedness season, The Townsville Community Information Centre has launched its Disaster Recover Directory to support the Townsville community in the event of a disaster, and is calling on support services to get in touch to be added to the directory.
Community Information Centre General Manager Teresa Hudson says while residents have access to information and support networks in the lead up to a disaster, there is a noticeable gap in the market for a directory to direct the community for support services during the recovery phase.
“Following the 2019 Townsville Monsoon Event and Covid-19 Pandemic in 2020, we made a concerted effort to create and maintain a database of relevant information, including avenues of support and a comprehensive guide to government directives,” Ms Hudson says.
“The goal is to have a central point of access that community members from the Townsville region can turn to during the disaster-recovery period to see at a glance who they need to call or where they need to go to get the support they need.
“Listings are kept up to date in real-time to reflect the focus area of each organisation listed within it.”
The directory is launched once the Government declares a disaster and it was successfully trialled earlier this year after Tropical Cyclone Kirrily as the central point of information for community recovery and assistance, which saw 2,300 clicks during the week it was activated.
Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) helped facilitate funding for the directory and Disaster Resilience Portfolio Lead Nina O’Brien said testing the initial directory during Cyclone Kirrily helped the group understand the information the community needs, how they access it and easy ways to share it.
“From FRRR’s work with disaster-affected communities over nearly 25 years, we know that investing in preparedness activities is as important – if not more so – than recovery.” Ms O’Brien says.
“Initiatives like this community-driven, local disaster resource directory are a powerful way to strengthen community resilience and will meet a critical need for accurate and timely information sharing.
“It reinforces the importance of accurate and timely information, local collaboration and networking, both on a personal and organisational level.
“It will clearly strengthen the community’s ability to respond in a timely, effective and highly localised way to a future disaster or disruption.”
Following the successful trial of the database and the importance ensuring the valuable resource remains up to date and available to the community, Suncorp has committed $20,000 to fund the Disaster Recovery Directory for the 2024/25 disaster season.
Suncorp Chief Executive Consumer Insurance Lisa Harrison says the directory would help individuals and communities recover from and build resilience for future extreme weather events.
“The effects of extreme weather events often linger long after the storms have passed and waters have receded, leaving communities not only physically scarred but emotionally strained,” Ms Harrison says.
“These events can create a sense of isolation, and it’s during these times that connection and support are more vital than ever. That’s why programs like the Disaster Crisis Response Directory are so critical — they help rebuild the social fabric of affected communities, empowering them to face future challenges with greater resilience.
“Suncorp, through our partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal, is incredibly proud to support Community Information Centre Townsville.
“Its work in providing essential support, facilitating information-sharing, and fostering community networks is indispensable in helping those impacted by the cyclone get back on their feet.”
Ms Hudson says the Townsville Community Information Centre is launching the database ahead of the disaster season to encourage community members to be aware of its existence and to include it in their disaster recovery plan.
“It’s that time of year where people are being warned about natural disasters, and being prepared in the event one occurs,” Ms Hudson says.
“The Disaster Recovery Directory reduces the time needed and stress created in the process of trying to get back in your feet after a significant, community-wide rupture.
“Residents can follow the Community Information Centre Townsville on socials for up to date information or visit our website after a disaster event to access the Disaster Recovery Directory.”
Main image: Helen Lynn (Information Officer), Teresa Hudson (General Manager), Damien Lawardorn (Project Officer)
