During October, 68 Bundaberg youths took part in the Get Ready Goosechase program which saw them complete 1265 missions across the region.
The Bundaberg Regional Council initiative was created with the overall aim of improving education and resilience of young people during natural disaster events.
The Get Ready Goosechase combined disaster recovery information with an app-based game, taking explorers on a mission around the community to find clues on how to prepare in storms, fires, floods and more.
First place was taken out by Nicholas Krebs, with second place going to Annabelle Horton and third place to Ivy Montague.
Get Ready Goosechase participants Evie and Will Martin said the event taught them a range of new skills and provided knowledge that will help them to be prepared for any natural disaster events.
“We learnt about a range of natural disasters including bushfires, floods and how to prepare for these,” they said.
“There were different challenges, including some that we did at home such as making a volunteer poster.”
Participants said they enjoyed getting out across the region, being creative, exploring outdoors, having fun and learning new things including:
- Understanding cyclone and bushfire ratings
- Discovering what goes in an emergency kit
- Where the safe spots are in your home
- Ideas for what you can cook with no power
- How to read maps and find evacuation routes
- What to do when someone gets a burn
- How to read maps and evacuation routes
Feedback from participants indicated that because of the program, they now know more about natural disaster events and how to be prepared for when they occur.
The youth advisory group, made up of Billy Clarke, Noah McLennan and Zoe Parker helped to facilitate the design of a mascot, mission and prizes for the Goosechase.
The Get Ready Goosechase is an initiative of the Community Resilience Program which has been fully funded by the Australian Government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Other stories: Locals called on to support The Salvos for Christmas
