Redland City Council’s Communication, Engagement and Tourism team has earned the state’s highest local government teamwork award for its efforts during the North Stradbroke Island bushfires.
The team was recognised with a Local Government Managers Association Queensland (LGMAQ) Award for Excellence for its 24/7 communication strategy during one of the biggest emergencies to ever confront the Redlands.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams congratulated team members for playing a major role in ensuring residents were well prepared for the potentially life-threatening bushfires which raged for almost two weeks in December-January.
“At the centre of their efforts was the harnessing of social and traditional media to ensure residents were kept fully informed and safe,’’ Cr Williams said.
“This included tweeting from community forums, and using real-time information sourced from social media to inform emergency services, right down to pinning written notices at key sites on the island each day.’’
Cr Williams said the award reflected the importance of communication and teamwork in ensuring Redlanders were kept up to date with events during times of potential emergency.
“This ensures residents can make informed choices as they take care of themselves, families and friends. Our Communication team went beyond the call of duty to ensure this during the Straddie fires,’’ Cr Williams said.