Disaster Resilience

This page provides information on disaster response programs delivered by Brisbane South PHN to the Brisbane south community on behalf of the Australian Government.

On this page:

Flood response

In February 2022 eastern Australia was impacted by one of the worst flood disasters since records began. Wide-spread flooding occurring across a large proportion of south east Queensland.

Many residents within the Brisbane south region were impacted by these natural disasters on top of the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The recovery will have long term implications on our population and has the potential to affect the well-being of the community.

The Australian Government announced funding which was provided under the mental health support package for flood-affected communities until 30 June 2023.

Our response

In response to this disaster, Brisbane South PHN commissioned Change Futures to deliver immediate and longer term local mental health support.  At the same time, local headspace services and commissioned providers were boosted to offer supports through their service model.

Engagement and listening with 27 local flood recovery and support centres was undertaken to understand the needs for people who have been affected by the disaster.  Community sentiments were captured for reflection and distilling into current and future work to support activities that strengthen connection, belonging and inclusion.

The immediate response is to support community mental health and wellbeing.  Mental health funding was provided to enhance local headspace services and also boost commissioned providers to deliver immediate and longer term local mental health support.  A new provider, Change Futures, was commissioned to deliver free and easy-access psychological support for people in the Brisbane south catchment. 

Mental health support package

The mental health support package for flood-affected communities includes:

Commissioning local mental health services to meet the psychological needs of communities

  • Change Futures is funded by Brisbane South PHN to provide free counselling and psychological support services to community member in the Brisbane South PHN region until June 2023.
  • World Wellness Group provides high quality and culturally safe and appropriate health care and take a team approach to your health and wellbeing. Services are open to clients from throughout Brisbane, regardless of location.
  • Wesley Mission Queensland provides treatment for people who experience mild to moderate mental illness and have barriers to accessing mainstream treatment options. It replaces the former Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS) program across the entire Brisbane South primary health network (PHN) region.

Supporting communities in recovery: Wellbeing and Resilience Grants

Wellbeing and Resilience Grants now open

Tranche 1 closes 22 August 2022. Tranche 2 closes 19 September 2022. See the documentation linked below:

Supporting young people aged 12 to 25 years through headspace services

Headspace provides information for family and friends supporting a young person after a natural disaster.