Media Release - Get ready Hinchinbrook before the storm

Published on 07 October 2026

You know the feeling.

The sky turns that strange shade of grey. The rain starts sideways. The power flickers. Someone at the supermarket has just bought the last loaf of bread.

In Hinchinbrook, we've seen it all before.

Cyclones. Floods. Storms that seem to arrive with a name and leave with a story.

The truth is, when a disaster warning is issued, it's already too late to start getting ready.

That's why Hinchinbrook residents are being encouraged to stop by the disaster preparedness display at the Woolworths complex, 29 Ann Street, Ingham, on Wednesday 14 October 2026, between 8.30am and 2.30pm.

Hosted by the Hinchinbrook Local Disaster Management Group, the display will bring together representatives from Hinchinbrook Shire Council, the State Emergency Service (SES) and the Queensland Police Service (QPS), providing residents with the opportunity to learn more about disaster preparedness, ask questions and access practical information ahead of the upcoming wet and cyclone season.

It's not about fear. It's about being ready.

Could your household comfortably last seven to ten days if roads were cut and supplies couldn't get through?

Do you have enough drinking water?

What happens if the power goes out for days?

Do you know where your important documents, medications and emergency contacts are?

These are the questions we all need to be asking before disaster season arrives.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo said preparedness wasn't just something for emergency services or government agencies.

"It's something every one of us needs to take ownership of," Mayor Jayo, who is Chair of the Hinchinbrook Local Disaster Management Group, said.

"Living in Hinchinbrook means living with severe weather. It's part of who we are. We've proven time and again that we're resilient, but resilience starts long before the first warning is issued."

Mayor Jayo said preparation looked different for every person and every family.

"For some people it's putting together an emergency kit. For others it's checking medications, talking to neighbours or making sure Mum and Dad have a plan if they're living alone," he said.

"The Hinchinbrook Local Disaster Management Group brings together agencies that work side by side before, during and after disaster events, including Council, the SES and Queensland Police Service. This display is a great opportunity for residents to speak directly with those agencies and learn what simple steps they can take now to be better prepared.

"Hinchinbrook has one of Queensland's oldest populations and many people rely on medications, support services or family assistance. Taking a few simple steps now could make a huge difference later."

Whether you're new to the region or have weathered every cyclone since Tracy, the message is simple.

Don't wait for the storm.

Have the conversation.

Make the plan.

Check the supplies.

Because when the rain is falling, the wind is howling and the roads are cut, you'll never regret being prepared.

Supported by the Queensland Government’s Get Ready Queensland program. For more information, visit https://getready.qld.gov.au.

Visit the Hinchinbrook Disaster Dashboard at https://disaster.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/ for local warnings, updates and preparedness information is available on the Council’s website at https://www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/Community-and-Events/Disaster-Support-Preparedness