Highly Commended – Research and Engagement Category
Faye Gibson – Community Engagement Officer – Brisbane City Council
The recent bushfire events in late 2019 and early 2020 demonstrated that disasters have regional consequences, requiring multi-agency responses. Faye identified the need to demonstrate to the Brisbane community that Council and its stakeholders undertake planning, preparation, response and recovery on a regional basis. Partnering with the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and the neighbouring Ipswich City Council, in her role as Brisbane City Council Community Engagement Officer, Faye coordinated the collaborative delivery of an engagement program for the western suburbs (Pullenvale Ward).
The Pullenvale Ward covers almost 25% of the entire geographical area of the greater Brisbane area. Covering an area totalling 318km2, the Pullenvale Ward is a diverse and unique blend of residential, rural and bushland areas. The area is of particular risk of bushfires and other natural hazards that could result in areas of widespread isolation during a disaster event.
The aim of the program was to equip the local community with disaster resilience activities and build awareness to:
- reduce future risks and minimise community dependence on government assistance
- enhance self-efficacy and community efficacy
- minimise negative impacts and embrace opportunities
- promote connectedness, encourage support networks and social inclusion
- support and promote opportunities for sustainable economic recovery
- support business and service provider continuity
- promote preparedness and resilience to future disasters.
From October to November 2020, the engagement program was delivered by Council and QFES as a place-based engagement program, running 2-hour information night presentations and weekend community information hubs across the entire Pullenvale ward as part of Council's bushfire mitigation strategies. The awareness program has continued with the provision of semi-permanent signage in 2021.
All ticketed engagement sessions were sold out within the first two weeks of advertising, all presentations and information hubs were very well attended, with excellent feedback and appreciation from attending community members.
