Get Ready Queensland Goes National: Leading the Charge in Disaster Preparedness
Tracks
Gold Coast Ballroom
| Tuesday, July 28, 2026 |
| 2:15 PM - 2:35 PM |
| Gold Coast Room |
Overview
Kasey Donald & Gillian Moody, Queensland Reconstruction Authority
Details
Three Key Learnings
1.Queensland’s Get Ready Queensland (GRQ) program has set a national benchmark for disaster preparedness, empowering communities and enhancing resilience for over a decade.
2. The National Get Ready initiative, inspired by GRQ, aims to create a collaborative, structured disaster preparedness framework across states and territories, leveraging Queensland’s proven model.
3. Backed by significant funding, the initiative will provide tools and resources to reduce the impacts of severe weather, support faster recovery, and improve nationwide community resilience, as demonstrated during Cyclone Alfred when GRQ resources enhanced New South Wales’ response and recovery efforts.
Speaker
Ms Kasey Donald
Director - Marketing, Communications & Engagement
Queensland Reconstruction Authority
Get Ready Queensland Goes National: Leading the Charge in Disaster Preparedness
Abstract
Queensland has long set the benchmark for disaster preparedness with its flagship program, Get Ready Queensland (GRQ). For over a decade, GRQ has strengthened the state’s resilience, empowering communities to take proactive steps to prepare for severe weather and emergencies. The program has made Queensland stronger, safer, and more resilient, and now its success is being adopted nationwide through the National Get Ready initiative.
The National Get Ready program will build on Queensland’s proven model, creating a structured disaster preparedness framework with resource-sharing arrangements tailored to the unique needs of each state and territory. The National Get Ready initiative represents a significant step forward in fostering cross-jurisdictional collaboration and improving overall community resilience. By leveraging the lessons learned from GRQ, the program will empower communities, reduce the impacts of severe weather, and support faster recovery.
The effectiveness of GRQ was demonstrated during Cyclone Alfred when New South Wales public visited the GRQ website and the NSW Government used Queensland’s resources and insights to enhance their response and recovery efforts. By adopting Queensland’s key messaging, NSW improved community engagement, streamlined communication and strengthened resilience in affected areas. These successes highlight the scalability of GRQ and its potential to improve disaster preparedness across the nation.
Backed by a $19.5 million multi-state and territory investment and $8.3 million from the Australian Government’s Disaster Ready Fund, the initiative will ensure all Australians have the tools and resources they need to prepare for and recover from severe weather events.
This presentation will showcase the achievements of GRQ and its role in shaping the National Get Ready program. Delegates will gain practical insights into how Queensland’s leadership in disaster preparedness is driving a nationwide transformation, ensuring all Australians are better equipped to face the challenges of severe weather and emergencies.
The National Get Ready program will build on Queensland’s proven model, creating a structured disaster preparedness framework with resource-sharing arrangements tailored to the unique needs of each state and territory. The National Get Ready initiative represents a significant step forward in fostering cross-jurisdictional collaboration and improving overall community resilience. By leveraging the lessons learned from GRQ, the program will empower communities, reduce the impacts of severe weather, and support faster recovery.
The effectiveness of GRQ was demonstrated during Cyclone Alfred when New South Wales public visited the GRQ website and the NSW Government used Queensland’s resources and insights to enhance their response and recovery efforts. By adopting Queensland’s key messaging, NSW improved community engagement, streamlined communication and strengthened resilience in affected areas. These successes highlight the scalability of GRQ and its potential to improve disaster preparedness across the nation.
Backed by a $19.5 million multi-state and territory investment and $8.3 million from the Australian Government’s Disaster Ready Fund, the initiative will ensure all Australians have the tools and resources they need to prepare for and recover from severe weather events.
This presentation will showcase the achievements of GRQ and its role in shaping the National Get Ready program. Delegates will gain practical insights into how Queensland’s leadership in disaster preparedness is driving a nationwide transformation, ensuring all Australians are better equipped to face the challenges of severe weather and emergencies.
Biography
Kasey Donald
Director, Communications & Get Ready Queensland Team, Queensland Reconstruction Authority.
Kasey is a dedicated communications, engagement and marketing professional specialising in building strong teams and leading behaviour change programs. As Director of Get Ready Queensland since late 2017, she has been instrumental in establishing the program’s growth and success through strategic partnerships, cross-government collaboration and evidence-based strategies.
Known for her ability to foster meaningful connections and drive positive change, Kasey is committed to delivering programs that empower communities, strengthen resilience, and support Queensland’s preparedness for the future.
Miss Gillian Moody
Manager Stakeholder Engagement, GRQ
Queensland Reconstruction Authority
Get Ready Queensland Goes National: Leading the Charge in Disaster Preparedness
Abstract
Queensland has long set the benchmark for disaster preparedness with its flagship program, Get Ready Queensland (GRQ). For over a decade, GRQ has strengthened the state’s resilience, empowering communities to take proactive steps to prepare for severe weather and emergencies. The program has made Queensland stronger, safer, and more resilient, and now its success is being adopted nationwide through the National Get Ready initiative.
The National Get Ready program will build on Queensland’s proven model, creating a structured disaster preparedness framework with resource-sharing arrangements tailored to the unique needs of each state and territory. The National Get Ready initiative represents a significant step forward in fostering cross-jurisdictional collaboration and improving overall community resilience. By leveraging the lessons learned from GRQ, the program will empower communities, reduce the impacts of severe weather, and support faster recovery.
The effectiveness of GRQ was demonstrated during Cyclone Alfred when New South Wales public visited the GRQ website and the NSW Government used Queensland’s resources and insights to enhance their response and recovery efforts. By adopting Queensland’s key messaging, NSW improved community engagement, streamlined communication and strengthened resilience in affected areas. These successes highlight the scalability of GRQ and its potential to improve disaster preparedness across the nation.
Backed by a $19.5 million multi-state and territory investment and $8.3 million from the Australian Government’s Disaster Ready Fund, the initiative will ensure all Australians have the tools and resources they need to prepare for and recover from severe weather events.
This presentation will showcase the achievements of GRQ and its role in shaping the National Get Ready program. Delegates will gain practical insights into how Queensland’s leadership in disaster preparedness is driving a nationwide transformation, ensuring all Australians are better equipped to face the challenges of severe weather and emergencies.
The National Get Ready program will build on Queensland’s proven model, creating a structured disaster preparedness framework with resource-sharing arrangements tailored to the unique needs of each state and territory. The National Get Ready initiative represents a significant step forward in fostering cross-jurisdictional collaboration and improving overall community resilience. By leveraging the lessons learned from GRQ, the program will empower communities, reduce the impacts of severe weather, and support faster recovery.
The effectiveness of GRQ was demonstrated during Cyclone Alfred when New South Wales public visited the GRQ website and the NSW Government used Queensland’s resources and insights to enhance their response and recovery efforts. By adopting Queensland’s key messaging, NSW improved community engagement, streamlined communication and strengthened resilience in affected areas. These successes highlight the scalability of GRQ and its potential to improve disaster preparedness across the nation.
Backed by a $19.5 million multi-state and territory investment and $8.3 million from the Australian Government’s Disaster Ready Fund, the initiative will ensure all Australians have the tools and resources they need to prepare for and recover from severe weather events.
This presentation will showcase the achievements of GRQ and its role in shaping the National Get Ready program. Delegates will gain practical insights into how Queensland’s leadership in disaster preparedness is driving a nationwide transformation, ensuring all Australians are better equipped to face the challenges of severe weather and emergencies.
Biography
