The Banana Shire in Queensland has run a successful community engagement program to prepare residents for natural disaster – which included filming an educational music video.
The ‘Get ready to Grab’n’Go’ campaign was officially launched at the Banana Shire Industry Summit on 11 October, which fell during Queensland’s ‘Get Ready’ week.
Banana Shire Mayor and Chairperson of the Local Disaster Management Group, Nev Ferrier, launched the campaign and said it was timely to remind residents to be prepared for natural disasters, which may occur over the summer season.
Residents need to have an evacuation plan and kit to ‘Get Ready to Grab’n’Go’ should it be required, and to be responsible for the safety of themselves, their family, pets and livestock.
A comprehensive strategy has been designed to educate residents in their planning. The launch included the distribution of a ‘Get Ready to Grab’n’Go’ bag, which contains information, documents and items to assist should evacuation be required.
The campaign also included the making of a music video that will be shared through social media and reinforce the message to ‘Get Ready to Grab’n’Go’.
The video was written and produced by Josh Arnold from production company Small Town Culture.
It was edited into two 15-second television commercials to be aired on Channel 7.
The music video was a successful community engagement activity that was filmed in 12 towns over three and a half days and involved approximately 750 people throughout the Shire.
The Shire wished to remind residents that good preparation facilitates a more expedient and successful recovery from a disaster, and that being prepared is everyone’s responsibility.
