Learning disaster management skills was made easier for a number of local residents who took part in this year’s Get Ready Goosechase competition, with the winners recently announced.
This year’s format was updated and saw three separate competitions run across the region, with specific scavenger hunts taking place in Gin Gin, Childers, and Bundaberg.
The top teams from across the region have this week been announced and include HIPPY Chicks in Bundaberg, Kozikan in Childers, and Terrific Trotman’s in Gin Gin.
The Bundaberg Regional Council initiative aims to teach members of the community about disaster hazards and emergency situations through an interactive scavenger hunt.
Kristy Gear, a team member of the Bundaberg winning team HIPPY Chicks said the opportunity to take part provided a fantastic team building experience.
“It was great as a team building exercise, but also was a great way to explore more of the Bundaberg area and visit places we had never been to before,” Kristy said.
“It definitely helped us to become more aware of different disasters that could occur.”
Emma Smith from the Quackers, who came third in the Bundaberg competition, said the activity was great for school holidays and a fantastic educational tool.
“I didn’t know exactly what I was getting myself into when I first signed up, but once we got into it we all really enjoyed it,” Emma said.
“It was a great way to make the kids a bit more aware of situations, such as if there is a bushfire, and increasing their awareness to what is happening in the community.
“For example, they saw NAIDOC signs when we were in town.
“It also made us explore a few new places in town that we weren’t aware of which was fantastic.”
With customised competitions in both Gin Gin and Childers as part of the Goosechase this year, it provided the opportunity for locals to explore their area, which was a highlight of the experience.
Shannon Stone from Childers team Kozikan said it was a great school holiday activity.
“It was great to have something different to do in the school holidays,” Shannon said.
“There was the opportunity to teach my son a range of new things in a fun way.”
Terrific Trotman’s Sarah Poole said it was a great initiative which provided them the chance to explore more of Gin Gin.
“It was something to do on the school holidays and it got us out and about,” Sarah said.
“It is a great initiative from Council, and it was great as we have only just moved up to Gin Gin, so it helped us to learn new things about the area.”
You can find out more about Get Ready Goosechase initiative here.
The Community Resilience program has been fully funded by the National Bushfire Recovery Agency under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
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