In FY 2025, Queensland faced 17 disaster events, including a heatwave, Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily, North Queensland floods, Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and Western Queensland flooding. The implementation of the Queensland Neighbourhood Centres Strategy for Disaster Resilience 2023–2026 has become increasingly important as more disasters impact communities.
Co-developed with Neighbourhood Centres, the Queensland Neighbourhood Centres Strategy for Disaster Resilience 2023–2026 was published in 2023. This strategy recommends actions prioritising four strategic pillars: 1) Raise Awareness & Recognition, 2) Strengthen Relationships & Collaboration, 3) Influence Policy & Shape Funding, and 4) Learning & Development.
NCQ continued to implement the strategy throughout FY 2025, through the Community-Led Disaster Recovery Project, the Resilience Readiness Scorecard Project and a range of other activities.
The essential role of Neighbourhood Centres in disaster-affected communities is gaining increased recognition by all levels of government. With 73 of the state’s 77 LGAs activated for disaster recovery this year, 30 partner agencies were formally activated and funded by Community Recovery as either Recovery Hubs or support service providers. Fifty percent of Community Recovery Hubs were Neighbourhood Centres. This marks a notable shift in the disaster management landscape, reflecting increased awareness and recognition that effective disaster response and long-term recovery are best achieved through locally-led approaches.
When disasters hit, NCQ staff connected with activated or impacted Centres to check in, share information and debrief. This inclided voicing Centres’ concerns and recommendations to state government and key stakeholders. NCQ worked closely with Community Recovery (Queensland Government) to strengthen activation processes and relationships with Neighbourhood Centres. Commuity Recovery and NCQ co-hosted online workshops for Centres statewide, which strengthened disaster learning, development and relationships across the state.
This work has been unfunded throughout FY 2025.