RIT - Monthly Newsletter November 2023

Welcome to our November newsletter!

This month has marked a massive milestone for our DISASTER MANAGEMENT (DM) cohort, with more than 40 staff settling in with Queensland Police Service (QPS), having moved from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) recently.

They hit the ground running, being stood up as soon as the new uniforms went on. Nearly all Emergency Management Coordinators (EMCs) were deployed across the state, as emergency services personnel contended with blazes west of Brisbane, on the Sunshine Coast, as far west as Mt Isa and in the far north at the Atherton Tablelands.

Below is an image taken by Chris Munro over a four-minute period that shows the lightning pounding the ground in the Western Downs.

Assistant Commissioner Ben Marcus from the Emergency Management Coordination Command (EMCC) is grateful to all members across the agencies who have been working tirelessly, responding to fires that have broken out across the state in past weeks.

Thanks to Jason Wheeler for this photo that summarises the ferocity of the fires at Tara.

The EMCC banner (below) has been approved and it captures the extreme situations all our colleagues across the agencies are prepared for and contend with on a regular basis.

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STANDBY FOR BROADCAST

It has been yet another big and exciting month for the Reform Implementation Taskforce (RIT) as we count down towards the end of the year. Assistant Commissioner Marcus Hill spoke about some of the recent events taking place and other updates from around the program of work.

We remain confident in our journey to success, understanding full well the challenges associated with change. By joining forces and fostering mutual understanding, there will be a productive outcome for all involved, including our Queensland communities.

Join our engagement sessions and explore opportunities to take part by visiting ForGov.

We value your contribution, so should you have any questions, concerns, or feedback, please reach out.

Again, we thank you all for your continued support and dedication to building a safer and stronger Queensland for the future.

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AROUND THE STREAMS

MARINE RESCUE QUEENSLAND (MRQ)

After several years with the Marine Rescue Implementation Program (MRIP), Director Matthew Thompson has made the difficult decision to move on and pursue new opportunities. We would like to thank Matt for his contribution to the Marine Rescue Implementation Program. The program has benefitted from Matt’s knowledge, and we wish him all the best for his future endeavours!

Matt had a final bon voyage to his team, which we are privileged to share below:

Ahoy!

It has been an enormous privilege to work alongside dedicated volunteers of the Volunteer Marine Rescue and Coast Guard. Together, we have laid the groundwork for Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ), which has been built on the foundations of the tireless work and committed Marine Rescue volunteers.

I am deeply grateful for the trust and collaboration I've received during my time as Program Director and am constantly in awe of the volunteers I have met across the state, and the many sector partners that contribute to this vital rescue service.

The Marine Rescue Implementation Program team remains focused and committed to delivering a single state-wide marine rescue service for Queensland.

We here at the RIT wish Matt all the best and are grateful for all he has achieved.

Brand identity and uniforms

A huge thanks again to those who were involved in the development of the MRQ emblem and uniforms for their expertise and support. We also thank volunteers from across Queensland who opted to have their say throughout the process.

Read more about how the emblem was created and may be applied to vessels.

STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE (SES)

SES recently held another Townhall engagement session at Kedron with an in-person audience as well as being livestreamed. Facilitated by Business Reform Coordinator Stephen Dabinett from the RIT and Acting Assistant Commissioner Brian Cox from the State Emergency Service, an update was provided on the transition, and questions were answered during a Q&A component. Catch up on what was said at SES Townhall - How organisational arrangements are shaping up | For government | Queensland Government

This month we saw SES attend the State Disaster Coordination Group (SDCG) for the first time. This group consists of other large State Government agencies and non-government organisations. The SDCG provides advice to the State Disaster Coordinator (SDC) about available resources and options for disaster response and ensures a coordinated and efficient deployment of Queensland Government resources in disaster response operations. This was the first step, as part of the disaster and emergency services reform, in giving SES a greater voice and being represented at all levels of the disaster management system.

The SES Peer Support Network and Chaplaincy Services are an integral part of how personnel are supported and how they can support each other through challenging times. A Townhall was held to better understand the differences between how QFES and QPS undertake these important services. Check it out at SES Peer Support Officer and Chaplaincy Townhall | For government | Queensland Government.

Cyclone Saturday

The Whitsunday crew held their Cyclone Saturday event at the Airlie Beach markets. It is a terrific example of how the reforms are working to enhance already strong existing relationships. Keep up the great work team!

QUEENSLAND FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES (QFES)

QFD Townhall

A Queensland Fire Department (QFD) Townhall is scheduled to be held next Thursday 30 November from 10-12pm. Staff are invited to join the Townhall for an opportunity to hear about the interim QFES leadership arrangements and keep informed about the progress of the reforms.

The interim QFES executive team will share the latest updates for the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS), Rural Fire Service (RFS), Strategy and Corporate Services (SCSD), as well as the next steps with the shared State Operations functions.

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COUNCIL COLLABORATION IMPORTANT IN SUCCESS OF REFORMS

We're appreciative of local government representatives welcoming the changes Queensland’s disaster and emergency management system is undergoing, as they anticipate a brighter future for communities. The changes, aimed at strengthening and better aligning disaster management and emergency services, have gained many councils’ support.

The changes disaster management and Queensland’s emergency services are undergoing is a critical process, as communities rely on those agencies when faced with disasters.

A collaborative effort between Local and State Governments will ensure communities remain safe.

As bushfires occur across Queensland, the emergency services supplied to Queensland communities will remain strong.

Have a listen to what local leaders make of the work being done to improve community safety.

KEEP INFORMED

Visit our ForGov webpage for information, news, videos, upcoming engagement opportunities and events.

FAQS & MYTH BUSTERS

View our FAQs and Myth Busters to find an answer to your question.

QUESTIONS

If you have any questions or feedback, please contact us. We value your feedback and will endeavour to answer your questions.

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