Emergency services personnel and local disaster management officers came together last week for an in-depth workshop on how to plan and strategise during a disaster.
The Disaster Planning in Dynamic Environments Masterclass was an opportunity for participants to develop new procedures to assist in monitoring and understanding major disaster-related events that could occur in the region.
Bundaberg Region Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group chair Jack Dempsey said the workshop was a reminder that disasters could happen at any time.
“It’s important to consider emerging challenges and their implications for planning in dynamic environments,” he said.
“This includes applying strategies for various scenarios to improve planning and to identify risks.
“As chair of the Local Disaster Management Group, I was pleased to join colleagues to find out how we can move forward with positive results in times of distress.”
Disaster planning masterclass provides expert advice
The two-day course was hosted by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and led by crisis management experts Dr Christine Owen and David Parsons.
“David started his emergency management career as an SES volunteer at Kogarah in 1978 and still serves as a volunteer in the Blue Mountains,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“He has completed the Leadership in Crises Program with the Harvard Kennedy Business School and the Lessons Leaned Staff Officer Course with NATO.
“His knowledge and expertise were greatly appreciated during the Disaster Planning in Dynamic Environments Masterclass.”
Participants from Bundaberg, Sunshine Coast and Ipswich were taken through a variety of topics including how to identify risks and apply strategies during times of emergency.
The workshop ran over two days at The Waves Sports Club.
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