Minute With The Mayor Acting Mayor Mary Brown

Following the announcement earlier this year of additional funding for Hinchinbrook Shire to deliver wellbeing and recovery initiatives across the community, Community Recovery and Resilience Officer Jane Carne continues to build on the important foundational work that was delivered during 2025, following the significant flooding event in February.

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Jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the Community Health and Wellbeing Package is aimed at helping locals reconnect, access support and strengthen resilience for the future.

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As Chair of Council’s Master Recovery process, which informed the development of Hinchinbrook’s 2025 Local Disaster Recovery Plan, I acknowledge the importance of having access to this funding. Having resources that provide ongoing support to our community as it continues to navigate the lengthy recovery process and rebuild lives and livelihoods will have a positive impact.

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I believe recovery doesn’t end when the waters recede or the clean-up is finished. Successful recovery is about listening to our community, understanding what support people need at different stages, and creating opportunities for connection, healing and resilience. This funding program will enable that support to be embedded in the Hinchinbrook community right through until early 2028.

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The Community Recovery and Resilience Officer has been working closely with residents, community groups and service providers to support individuals and strengthen community networks. Several events have already been delivered, with further planning currently underway to roll out more initiatives in the future.

For the business and not-for-profit community, the “Resilient Ready” program was launched in late July and is designed to support owners, managers and not-for-profit executives to build capacity and connection.  

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Networking events planned in conjunction with the program delivery will provide opportunities for participants to come together to share ideas, discuss opportunities or concerns, and connect in a supportive and relaxed environment.

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For any community members seeking information, assistance or guidance in relation to their ongoing recovery journey, Community Recovery and Resilience Officer Jane Carne can be contacted by calling the Council office on (07) 4776 4600.

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