As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, residents of the Southern Downs and Lockyer Valley have the opportunity to enhance their preparedness by attending a free Australian Red Cross EmergencyRedi™ Workshop.
Sponsored by NRMA Insurance and the Australian Red Cross, these workshops are designed to help locals understand their weather risks and prepare for emergencies.
NRMA Insurance research found the urgent need for greater preparedness. Nearly one in three Australians (32 per cent) lack a clear understanding of the extreme weather risks in their area, and almost half (48 per cent) are unsure of the steps needed to prepare for an emergency. Alarmingly, only 26 per cent of Australians have an emergency plan in place to respond to such events.
The workshops aim to address these gaps by equipping participants with the knowledge and tools needed to prepare for future emergencies. Attendees will develop their own award-winning Australian Red Cross emergency RediPlan.
This comprehensive plan includes key contacts, meeting places, animal care plans, essential documents, special items, medical information, and stress management strategies—all in one easy-to-access format.
The expansion of these workshops is part of NRMA Insurance’s Help Nation initiative, which seeks to unite communities across Australia in preparation for local risks.
NRMA Insurance Chief Customer and Marketing Officer Michelle Klein emphasised the importance of preparedness, stating, “Our research shows only half of Australians have taken steps to prepare for extreme weather, and many don’t feel ready to respond should an event occur.”
“Through these workshops, we want to help Lockyer Valley and Southern Downs residents better understand their local risks and provide the information and tools to get prepared,” Ms Klein said
“Taking steps to prepare before an event happens goes a long way in protecting yourself, your loved ones, your community, and the things you care about.”
The partnership between NRMA Insurance and the Australian Red Cross will see thousands of free workshops delivered across Australia over the next three years, helping tens of thousands of Australians prepare for all types of emergencies, including extreme weather events.
Residents of the Southern Downs and Lockyer Valley can register for the workshops at nrma.com.au/helpnation and learn more about how to protect themselves and their communities.
EmergencyRedi™ Workshop Details:
Southern Downs: Stanthorpe Civic Centre, 61 Marsh St, Stanthorpe on Tuesday, 27 August at 5.30 PM
Lockyer Valley: Colonial Café, 34 Lake Apex Drive, Gatton on Tuesday, 20 August at 1.30 PM
