IWD 2021 Cameron Barwick

Joint Winner – Excellence in Disaster Management Category

Senior Sergeant Cameron Barwick, Executive Officer, Disaster Management – Queensland Police Service

SSgt Cameron Barwick has provided disaster management executive support across Local, District and State Disaster Management Groups for almost 19 years. Over this time, he has successfully led and facilitated collaborative approaches required for disaster management planning and preparation through training and exercising. Also, he has provided guidance to members of Local and District Groups and has led disaster operations for serious community disruption from flood, cyclone and bushfire.

Outcomes from his expertise and collaborative approaches were recently highlighted during the 2020 COVID-19 response to protect the Aboriginal Community of Woorabinda. SSgt Barwick worked with the District Disaster Management Group, Woorabinda Local Disaster Management Group and Councillors ‘elect’ in assisting the community to develop localised sub-plans to establish controls within their designated areas. This enabled the safe supply of essential services to the community, with amended sub-plans further developed and implemented to manage the easing of restrictions as the circumstances evolved – ensuring compliance with all Chief Health Officer’s directives.

SSgt Barwick’s expertise enabled the collaborative development of the Community Communication Strategy with the Mayor ‘elect’ and stakeholders – ensuring the community were kept well informed and could contribute to the further development of plans to ensure their safety. SSgt Barwick further supported local leaders in their delivery of public safety messages to the community.