What’s happening?
Redland City State Emergency Service volunteers have returned home after assisting flood-affected communities across northern and western Queensland.
Redland SES members were deployed in January to support emergency response efforts in Townsville, Mount Isa, Rockhampton, Halifax, Normanton, Cloncurry and other areas.
The communities were impacted by the 2025-2026 North Queensland monsoon trough and heavy rain from ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji as it moved inland.
Redland City Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group chair Jos Mitchell said the work on the ground was hands-on and practical.
“It was real grass-level work like repairing roofs, sandbagging, door-knocking, delivering food and equipment where necessary,” the Mayor said.
“They also worked in incident management areas and supported the local SES groups on reconditioning and maintenance of their depots.
“We really appreciated the incredible support we received from other councils and SES units during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March last year, so it was great to be able to help out other communities across the state in their time of need.”
Why it matters?
It highlights the strength of Queensland’s emergency response network.
When one region is hit, others step in. That cooperation helps speed up recovery and ensures local SES groups are not overwhelmed.
The experience also strengthens disaster readiness across councils, with knowledge shared between regions during real events.
Local impact
The deployment reflects a strong volunteer base willing to travel long distances to assist others.
It also builds valuable experience that can be applied locally when disasters strike closer to home.
Residents interested in supporting future efforts can apply to become an SES volunteer at ses.qld.gov.au.
By the numbers:
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22 Redland SES volunteers were deployed in January 2026 to assist multiple flood-affected towns across northern and western Queensland.
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10 days were spent in Hughenden by Council’s Disaster Management Senior Policy and Programs Advisor, Katie Hunter, providing disaster response and recovery support from 11 January 2026.
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Approximately 1400 km separated Redlands Coast from Hughenden, highlighting the scale of the support provided under the statewide Council to Council program.
Zoom in
The Redland SES members deployed were Aberaham Nosa, Alex Richardson, Belinda Brown, Cindel Richardson, Darryl Hall, Emma Moneypenny, Fiona Mcleod, Gaye Idec, Heather Robertson, Jenny Ross, Kiara Muraca, Lee Unit, Lisa Nardone, Maria Forster, Mike Jones, Paul Idec, Peter Brown, Ross Alcorn, Stephen Ball, Tim Wills, Tony Morton and Wayne Whitrod.
Belinda Brown, Mike Jones and Ross Alcorn each completed two deployments.
Council staff also supported recovery efforts. Katie Hunter was deployed to Hughenden under the Local Government Association of Queensland’s Council to Council support program.
“During the 10-day deployment from 11 January 2026, Ms Hunter provided disaster response and recovery support for the shire which had been severely affected by the wet weather event,” the Mayor said.
The Council to Council program exchanges officers between councils to assist impacted local governments with trained personnel. It supports response and recovery through shared skills and hands-on work.
Zoom out
Queensland’s disaster season continues to test communities across the state.
Events such as the North Queensland monsoon trough and ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji show how quickly conditions can change and how critical coordinated response efforts are.
Statewide collaboration, including past support during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, reinforces a system built on shared responsibility.
What to look for next?
Programs are expected to remain active as impacted shires move from response into longer-term recovery. Redlands Coast may see renewed calls for SES volunteers as disaster season continues.
Residents interested in helping can monitor updates from Redland City Council and the Queensland SES for future deployments and training intakes.
