Recognising exceptional care during ex-Cyclone Alfred
As Cyclone Alfred threatened the coastline of South East Queensland in early March 2025, the aged care workforce across our region demonstrated remarkable dedication to caring for people living in aged care homes, going above and beyond to prepare for the worst and provide support and reassurance to their aged care residents as the effects of the severe weather event were felt across the region.
Despite being downgraded to a tropical low before impact, the effects of ex-Cyclone Alfred were felt across the region. Through high winds, storms and heavy rains which produced wide-spread power outages and flooding, aged care professionals including nurses, personal care workers, assistants in nursing, cooks, cleaners, and facility managers, responded with extraordinary commitment to the residents they care for. Many staff members remained onsite for multiple nights, foregoing personal comfort to ensure the safety and comfort of aged care residents during the unpredictable and stressful event.
Brisbane South PHN staff had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with some of our local aged care professionals to hear more about their experiences at a recent education and networking event.
… some staff couldn’t make it to work, or they didn’t have reliable transport — our residential manager actually came on the day and she was driving our staff to work. They also rostered on extra staff for the Friday night, Saturday morning and over the weekend, just to be safe, in case someone couldn’t come (in to work).
… during the cyclone and during the preparation you can see everyone was working as a team, and I think that shows the dedication of our staff to work together during tough times.
—Justin Lee, Registered Nurse working at a Residential Aged Care Home in the Brisbane South PHN region,
Overcoming challenges during times of disaster
During the cyclone's most challenging days, nearly one-third of aged care homes faced significant obstacles, including:
widespread power outages
reliance on emergency generators
rising floodwaters threatening access and safety.
Extreme weather events and natural disasters might feel increasingly familiar for the people living and working in the Brisbane South PHN region. Knowing this, managing mental health and wellbeing in times of disaster is just as important for the people working in healthcare as it is for the patients they care for.
A heartfelt thank you
To every member of the aged care workforce: your selflessness does not go unnoticed. Your unwavering dedication makes an immeasurable difference in the lives of those you care for, especially during times of disaster and emergencies.
Thank you!
Brisbane South PHN’s Older Persons program team supports the region’s aged care workforce through regular networking and education events and delivers locally relevant industry news for aged care workers in their monthly newsletter to RACH professionals. Contact our team to learn more by emailing olderpersons@bsphn.org.au.
More helpful resources
Access resources and find services for supporting older persons on our website.
Primary health care providers in the Brisbane South PHN region are encouraged to make sure practice emergency response plans are up to date, and that staff are familiar with procedures in the event that your service or practice is affected by natural disasters. Find resources and support for disaster readiness for healthcare providers and health professionals on our website.