Queenslanders Urged to Check in on Community Health as Cyclone Alfred Approaches

As Tropical Cyclone Alfred moves towards southeast Queensland, Country to Coast Queensland is encouraging communities to not only prepare themselves but to check in on those who may need extra support.

Extreme weather events can disrupt access to healthcare, medications, and essential services, particularly for:

• Elderly neighbours
• People living alone
• Those in isolated communities
• People living with disability or mobility challenges
• Individuals reliant on powered medical equipment
• People experiencing high stress or mental health concerns.

Country to Coast Queensland CEO Julie Sturgess said that while many people focus on personal preparedness, community support is just as important in times of natural disasters.

“We know that tropical cyclones can cause power outages, flooding and health service disruptions. But beyond the physical impact, they can also leave people feeling isolated and unsure where to turn for help,” Ms Sturgess said.

“Now is the time to reach out, check in, and make sure those around you are prepared. A simple phone call to a neighbour or friend could make all the difference.”

Practical Steps for Health Preparedness

Country to Coast is encouraging the community to use their CARE Checklist to help ensure that those most at risk have a plan in place:

• Check in – call, message or visit friends, family and neighbours who may need extra support. Ask if they need help preparing and remind them to stock a week’s supply of medications.
• Access to essentials – make sure they have food, water, cash, a Medicare card and personal supplies. If they have a baby, check nappies, formula and sterilising equipment. Write down emergency contacts.
• Readiness for power outages – many people rely on powered medical devices. Make sure phones, medical devices and power banks are fully charged, and discuss backup options in case of extended blackouts.
• Emergency plan – talk through what they will do if the power goes out, if they need medical assistance, or if they need to leave their home. Ensure Triple Zero (000) and their GP’s number are easily available.

“Health preparedness goes beyond packing an emergency kit. It’s about ensuring people can still access essential health services, medications and support when they need it most,” Ms Sturgess said.

Stay Informed & Connected

For general disaster preparedness, visit:
Get Ready Queensland: https://www.getready.qld.gov.au

For health-specific preparedness resources, visit:
Country to Coast, QLD Health Ready Hub: https://c2coast.org.au/health-ready

For official cyclone warnings and preparedness information, follow:

• Tropical Cyclone Forecast Track Map: http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDQ65002.shtml
• Current Tropical Cyclones: http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/?ref=dropdown

Stay connected in your community with your local council disaster hub:

Sunshine Coast: https://disasterhub.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/#Dashboard
Noosa: https://disaster.noosa.qld.gov.au
Gympie: https://disaster.gympie.qld.gov.au
Fraser Coast: https://disaster.frasercoast.qld.gov.au
Bundaberg: https://disaster.bundaberg.qld.gov.au
Rockhampton: https://emergency.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au
Gladstone: https://regionwatch.gladstone.qld.gov.au

Queenslanders are also encouraged to share Country to Coast’s health checklists — PREPARE, CARE & STEADY — on social media to spread awareness and ensure no one is left behind.