Reports and plans
The key objectives of Primary Health Networks (PHNs) are to:
- increase the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services for patients, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes
- improve coordination of care to ensure patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
Each PHN must make informed choices about how best to use its resources to achieve these objectives.
These documents, the Activity Work Plans (AWPs), capture those activities.
To reduce the rates of suicide and increase wellbeing within the ex-Australian Defence Force (ADF) community and their families, through transition, connection and adaption to life in Townsville post ADF.
To improve access to after hours health services and improve coordination and collaboration between services providers in the NQPHN region.
Outlines activities for:
- Care Finder – Assistance with Care and Housing Transition Quarantine program
- early intervention initiatives to support healthy ageing and ongoing management of chronic conditions
- support RACFs to increase availability and use of telehealth care for aged care residents
- enhanced out of hours support for residential aged care
- Care Finder.
Outlines planned activities for:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
- maternal and child health
- chronic disease management
- aged care
- health promotion and prevention
- flood recovery
- health systems improvement
- systems integration (HealthPathways)
- general practice support
- COVID-19
- Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) influenza vaccination coordination.
Outlines planned activities including:
- NIAS Operational and Mainstream funding
- NIAS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Core AOD and Operational
- Drug and Alcohol Treatment Service Maintenance
Outlines planned activities funded by the Indigenous Australian's Health Program Schedule including:
- Care Coordination, Supplementary Services, and culturally competent mainstream services.
Outlines planned activities including:
- low intensity mental health services
- early intervention for children and young people
- Primary mental health care for hard to reach
- Community based suicide prevention activities
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health services
- Stepped Care approach: severe and complex
- Regional mental health and suicide prevention plan
- Psychological therapies for people in residential aged care facilities
- headspace
- Aftercare following a suicide attempt (The Way Back Support Service)
- Adult Mental Health Centre
- Stepped Care approach
- Adult Mental Health Phone Intake
- Initial Assessment and Referral Training and support officers
- Targeted regional initiatives for suicide prevention
- headspace demand management and enhancement.
Outlines activities including:
- Head to Health
- Universal Aftercare Services
- headspace Enhancement – Cairns
- headspace Enhancement – Mackay
- headspace Enhancement – Townsville
- headspace Enhancement – Whitsundays
- headspace Enhancement – Sarina
Outlines planned activities including:
- updating the current needs assessment report to provide additional psychosocial support needs data on the NPS measure cohort in the NQPHN region
- commissioning of non-clinical mental health services and contracting of appropriate organisation/s providing services under the NPS, in accordance with NPS guidance material
- commissioning of service providers to administer the Continuity of Support (CoS) program in the NQPHN region
- monitoring/assessment/reporting on service delivery and financials, including ensuring access and training in the established data collection and storage for all funded programs in the NPS Measure, including CoS funded services
- commissioning and coordination of service delivery for clients who are eligible for support through services funded by the National Psychosocial Support transition funding
- allocation of NQPHN resources to plan, fund, and coordinate services under the Continuity of Support (CoS) measure, and the National Psychosocial Support (NPS) program, and provide support to Commonwealth community mental health clients to transition to the NDIS
Outlines activities for:
- COVID Allied Health Package GP Education
- Greater Choice for At Home Palliative Care Project.
To support establishment and high-quality delivery of an urgent care centre in Cairns. It aims to increase accessibility to medical care when there is a need for urgent, but non-life-threatening, care and their routine general practitioner is not available to provide care in the time required.
These documents provide transparency about NQPHN's activities to the Australian Government and Australian public.
NQPHN's reports and plans include:
- Activity Work Plans (AWPs)
- Annual Reports
- Health Needs Assessments (HNAs)
- Strategic Plan
- program specific assessments, evaluations, and reports.
Our commitment to reconciliation
This MOU signing saw leaders from all seven PHNs across Queensland and QAIHC join forces and commit to working together to improve Indigenous health in Queensland.
It is the first type of agreement in Australia between a peak Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health organisation and multiple PHNs and is based on shared principles, mutual recognition, and supports future collaboration between the two parties.
QAIHC CEO Neil Willmett said that this is great news for the more than 186,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who live in Queensland.
“All of our organisations have been striving to improve health outcomes in Queensland. Working together will now assist accelerate improvements though a much needed collaborative approach,” Mr Willmett said.
“Each of the seven PHNs in Queensland is proud to be part of this historic MOU,” said Abbe Anderson, Chair of the Queensland and Northern Territory PHN CEOs group.
“All PHNs are committed to improving health outcomes for First Nations peoples, and we recognise the importance of working with the Community Controlled Sector to achieve these outcomes.”
QAIHC Chairperson Gail Wason said improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is far more complex than most people think.
“Poor health is a harsh reality for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. However, we are working to change this. Agreements like this brings together expertise and leadership and will improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health in Queensland,” Ms Wason said.
NQPHN launched the Innovate RAP in November 2020 and its second iteration in November 2024, which strongly advanced the organisation’s commitment to working with local Indigenous communities to close the gap in health inequalities.
The Reflect RAP, formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, outlines NQPHN’s strong commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within North Queensland.
The RAP helps to build a culturally-aware workforce, improve upon appropriate practices, and strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. With an organisational purpose to drive change within and support primary health care to improve individual and community health, NQPHN recognises the importance of an inclusive and culturally-appropriate approach towards our core business activities.
The RAP guides NQPHN to improve its relationship and engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. Its development reflects a deep-seeded commitment by the NQPHN Board and its Members to assure the actions and programs developed by NQPHN are culturally relevant, safe, and give due consideration to the aspirations of our nation’s First Peoples.
Specifically, NQPHN developed its Reflect RAP to:
- acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture by continuing to build an understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customs, values, and traditions through ongoing education
- improve relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in our region
- build partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations to ensure more effective and relevant engagement, and make meaningful contributions to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our region
- inform NQPHN’s commissioning activities and procurement to improve clinically and culturally-safe and accessible primary health services, including championing connected and integrated service commissioning actions wherever possible
- support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and services in identifying and securing resources that meet locally-identified health needs
- demonstrate NQPHN’s continuing focus and commitment to the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan and other State and national policy frameworks which aim to Close the Gap
- support workforce development actions which assist to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations, and communities.
The Innovate RAP, formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, enables NQPHN to make aspirational and innovative commitments to help gain a deeper understanding of the organisation's sphere of influence and establish best practice approaches to advancing reconciliation.
The Innovate RAP outlines key actions NQPHN will undertake to strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and communities in the North Queensland region, engage staff and stakeholders in reconciliation, and develop innovative strategies to empower First Nations peoples.
The Innovate RAP is both an opportunity and an invitation for NQPHN to expand its understanding of its core strengths and deepen its relationship with its community, staff, and stakeholders.
The Innovate RAP, formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, marks a significant step forward, empowering us to make impactful commitments that map out our future actions. It builds on the foundational work we have already achieved, while also encouraging our staff to engage deeply in reconciliation through an improved understanding of our learnings and participation in activities from our previous RAPs. As part of this commitment, we will continue to support the health and wellbeing of First Nations Peoples in our region.
Member organisations
Board and Governance
The Clinical Council provides a critical overview of the NQPHN regions to ensure that overall investment is in line with the regional HNA.
The council acts in an advisory capacity to the NQPHN Clinical Governance Committee which has the delegated responsibility of the NQPHN Board.
Membership of the council is comprised of GPs, allied health professionals, mental health clinicians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals, community/practice nurses, and public health/health promotion representatives. They meet four times a year.
|
Name
|
Role
|
Region
|
|---|---|---|
| Dr Konrad Kangru (Independent Chair) | General Practitioner Whitsunday Doctors Service Airlie Beach | Mackay |
| Dr Yvonne Doveren | Senior Medical Officer Primary Health Care, Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland Section | Cairns, Cape and Torres |
| Ms Melanie Dunstan | Nurse Practitioner, Ngak Min Health / True Relationships and Reproductive Health | Cairns, Cape and Torres |
| Dr Lisa Fraser | Director, Practice Principal / General Practitioner, Gordonvale Family Medical Centre | Cairns, Cape and Torres |
| Ms Caroline Giles | General Practice Liaison Officer, Mackay Hospital and Health Service | Mackay |
| Ms Julie Goodall | Podiatrist, Phoenix Podiatry Centre | Townsville |
| Ms Karalyn Huxhagen | Pharmacist, KH Pharmacy Consulting | Mackay |
| Dr Jason King | Director of Clinical Services / Senior Medical Officer, Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service | Cairns, Cape and Torres |
| Mr Shane Macdonald | Pharmacist | Townsville |
| Ms Kath McFarlane | Advanced Public Health Officer, Sexual Health Services, Tropical Public Health Services | Cairns, Cape and Torres |
| Mr Tom McMillan | Executive Director / Specialist Physiotherapist, Physio Plus | Mackay |
| Ms Natalie Musumeci | Project Worker (Frequent Presenter) Social Worker, Mental Health and Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drugs Service | Cairns, Cape and Torres |
| Ms Kath O'Brien | Registered Nurse / Practice Owner / Manager, South Side Medical | Mackay |
| Dr Virja Panday | Senior Medical Officer, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service | Mackay |
| Dr Chris Stelmaschuk | General Practitioner | Townsville |
| Ms Allison Wolf | School Based Youth Health Nurse, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service | Cairns, Cape and Torres |
Primary care engagement and support
Immunisation is a simple, safe, and effective way of protecting people against harmful diseases before they come into contact with them. Immunisation protects not only individuals, but also others in the community by reducing the spread of preventable diseases.
Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) supports vaccine service providers in increasing immunisation coverage within the North Queensland region through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule and the Immunisation Schedule Queensland.
Immunisation resources, including training and education opportunities, are provided below.
- PRODA registration is required for the Organisation or the Individual to access AIR
- Application to register as a vaccination provider
- Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) update
- March 2024 Changes to Reporting Vaccination Encounters to AIR
- Supporting and understanding delegations in HPOS to enable access to the AIR resource Supporting and understanding delegations in HPOS to enable access to the Australian Immunisation Register | NCIRS
- Using the AIR – e-learning education modules
- Enhancing the data quality of vaccination encounters
- Resources for health professionals including reports
- Australian Immunisation Register 010A Due/Overdue Report by Immunisation Practice User Guide
- AIR Reports: for Pharmacies
- Print proof of vaccinations from the AIR Site
- Submitting information through AIR
- Update Vaccination data already submitted to the AIR site
- Uploading AIR forms using HPOS form upload
- National Immunisation Program Schedule | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
- Queensland Immunisation Schedule
- Queensland Paediatric Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prevention Program
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Vaccination Program
- Shingles (Herpes Zoster) vaccine information
- Shingles (Herpes Zoster) resources
Download the A5 size bravery certificate to give your little patients after receiving their vaccinations.
- Catch-up immunisations – Australian Immunisation Handbook
- National Immunisation Catch-up Calculator
- NCIRS measles vaccination catch-up guide
When working out a catchup schedule for a patient, please refer to resources from the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
- Australian Immunisation Handbook
- Australian Immunisation Handbook mobile app
- Influenza information for Queensland vaccine service providers
- Influenza vaccination 2022 – information and resources for health professionals
- Information for GPs – people with egg allergies
- MumBubVax is a new evidence-based website that assists in answering questions about vaccination in pregnancy and for new babies.
- Pneumosmart Vaccination Tool
- The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) has developed fact sheets and resources for immunisation providers, including disease and safety fact sheets.
- Free Influenza Vaccination Program stakeholder toolkit
Public Health Units are located within Hospital and Health Services (HHSs) across the state. Public Health Units focus on:
- protecting health
- preventing disease, illness and injury
- promoting health and wellbeing at a population or whole of community level.
Contact the Public Health Unit closest to you here.
Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) general enquiries (assistance with immunisation histories for parents and VSPs): 1800 653 809
Northern Queensland PHN is supporting the Australian Government’s COVID-19 vaccination program rollout, working closely with healthcare providers and all levels of government, as well as other key partners in health, to ensure a successful vaccine rollout across our region.
For more COVID-19 vaccine information click here.
- Immunisation adults and seniors
- Immunisation infants, children, and young people
- COVID-19 Vaccination Reminder Program for Adults aged 75 years and older
- Pneumococcal Vaccination Recall Program for Adults aged 70 years and older
Access to GoShare bundles is available with a membership login. Find out more here.
- Online courses for immunisation providers from Queensland Health
- NCIRS - Sharing knowledge about immunisation
- Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) - eLearning
- Using the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)
- ASCIA – Anaphylaxis e-training for health professionals 2023
- Department of Health - National vaccine storage guidelines 'Strive for 5'
- Department of Health – Immunisation Handbook
- MumBubVax eLearning modules for healthcare providers
- Department of Health – Childhood Immunisation video resources
- Immunisation Coalition webinars
- Immunisations for travel - Department of Health and Aged Care
- The National Vaccine Storage Guidelines ‘Strive for 5’ resource collection – Includes guidelines, posters, stickers and appendices.
- Cold chain breaches – Queensland Health
- Order, store and manage vaccines
- Following vaccination – what to expect and what to do – available to download and orders for hard copy
- Injection site reactions information sheet
- How to report an adverse event following immunisation – Queensland Health
Board and Governance
Jeff is an experienced Chair, Director, Chief and Senior Executive with a passion to see individuals, teams, organisations, their boards, communities, and regions thrive - now and into the future. He ...
Read bioSharon has more than 42 years of experience working in the health sector across a range of rural regional and tertiary health care services in the public sector for both Queensland and South Australia...
Read bioSue is the Chief Executive of Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service, a community-based health organisation that delivers holistic primary health care to the people of Yarrabah, an Aboriginal community nea...
Read bioTara Diversi is the CEO of Sophus Nutrition, a digital nutrition platform that improves accessibility and affordability of expert nutrition and dietetic care through the combination of evidence-based ...
Read bioMs Michelle Hardy has been an active advocate for older Australians and those living with disabilities for 30 years. As a qualified CPA, she has extensive financial management and project management e...
Read bioDr Konrad Kangru B.App Sci, MBBS, FRACGP gained his MBBS from the University of Queensland in 2000, has been in private rural General Practice in the Whitsundays region of Queensland since 2005, where...
Read bioTanika is a proud Guugu Yimidhirr Bama, from Hope Vale, Far North Queensland. While being raised in Hope Vale, Tanika went onto boarding school and then University in Townsville. She’s completed a bac...
Read bioToni has been part of the Townsville medical community since arriving as a medical student in 1998, 20 years of that as a specialist General Practitioner. As part of her passion for providing high lev...
Read bioGerard has extensive strategic management experience in complex healthcare environments both within the profit and not-for-profit private healthcare sectors at CEO level. His broad and diverse experi...
Read bio1. Prepare
As part of the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) ‘Build Back Better – Primary Care’ initiative, an array of support systems are being developed.
Recent events, cyclones, floods, bushfires, and a pandemic have highlighted the value of communication in an emergency response. In the event of an emergency in the NQPHN region, there is a need to be able to provide clear and immediate information to support this response.
To enable NQPHN to support this, we are offering general practices, pharmacies, and Residential Aged Care Homes (RACHs) the opportunity to subscribe to the NQPHN Emergency SMS Alert System which will send emergency and public health message alerts directly to the subscriber’s nominated mobile phone number.
Special sign-up offer – $500 for your practice/pharmacy/RACH
Sign up to the Emergency SMS Alert System and receive a one-off $500 (exc. GST) payment per practice/pharmacy/RACH that can be used to purchase* resources to assist your emergency response.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a one-off, optional offer, and not a mandatory requirement to sign up to the Emergency SMS Alert System.
* All purchases made in the preceding 12 months are eligible.
What to do next
Select your relevant organisation below (practice, pharmacy or RACH), read the relevant guidelines, and complete the relevant online form:
- Read the relevant Emergency Response Support guidelines:
- Complete the online form for practices and pharmacies to subscribe to NQPHN's Emergency SMS Alert System list.
-
Read the relevant Emergency Response Support guidelines:
- Complete the online form for RACHs to subscribe to NQPHN's Emergency SMS Alert System list.
2. Respond
Practices and pharmacies may have experienced a cold chain breach due to loss of power from a cyclone and/or floods.
Each vaccine requires a different process for action and reporting. See below for further information:
- COVID 19 Vaccines: Cold chain breaches of COVID-19 vaccines should be reported immediately to the Vaccination Operations Centre (VOC) on 1800 318 208. Vaccine providers must refer to the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines (Strive for 5) for cold-chain management of COVID-19 vaccines.
- Queensland Health-provided vaccines: QH do not dispose of vaccines. These must be keep for Public Health Unit collection – follow these instructions and fill out the cold chain breach reporting form.
- Other vaccines and medicines: National vaccine storage guidelines and information can be found here: National vaccine storage guidelines - Strive for 5, 3rd edition (health.gov.au) (Appendix 3: Cold chain breach protocol)
- Find out more, including how to report a breach. You can also visit your local HealthPathway for advice about vaccine storage and cold chain breaches.
The Queensland Government provides Queensland natural disaster assistance for small business and primary producers. They are also providing personal hardship financial assistance with more information on eligibility available here.
Further information on disaster assistance can be found at www.disasterassist.gov.au, www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or www.qra.qld.gov.au
If you’re experiencing emotional stress or personal financial hardship from a disaster event, contact your local emergency relief provider or counselling service or call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 for help.
General practitioners (GPs) are essential in supporting individuals and communities before, during and in the aftermath of natural disasters and emergencies.
Post-flood resources and support
Northern Queensland PHN would like to extend our sincere thanks to all our partners, members, and health providers, who work tirelessly in response to severe weather events in North Queensland.
Collaborations with the Local and District Disaster Management Groups, Councils, Hospital and Health Services, and other peak bodies and government agencies, are crucial in helping to provide the support and assistance needed during these challenging times. The efforts of all involved are a testament to the strength and dedication of our community.
As we navigate the current weather season, it’s important to stay up to date on the latest information to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Telehealth information
Telehealth arrangements were changed in 2024 to provide that:
The established clinical relationship requirement does not apply to:
- children under the age of 12 months
- people who are homeless
- patients receiving an urgent after-hours (unsociable hours) service
- patients of medical practitioners at an Aboriginal Medical Service or an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service
- people isolating because of a COVID-related State or Territory public health order, or in COVID-19 quarantine because of a State or Territory public health order
- people affected by natural disaster, defined as living in a local government area declared a natural disaster by a State or Territory government*
- BBVSRH consultations
- mental health services.
*LGAs declared a natural disaster are listed on the Australian Government Disaster Assist webpage here.
- Download the Telehealth – Medical Practitioners in General Practice factsheet
- Find more telehealth factsheets here.
PBS arrangements to support Australians affected by natural disasters and emergencies
The Australian Government has arrangements to support people affected by natural disasters and other emergencies to continue to access their essential medicines at the usual Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) or Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS) cost.
This web page contains information on:
- patient entitlement
- three days emergency medicines supply without a script
- ‘owing prescriptions’
- continued dispensing
- medicine distribution arrangements
- information specific to pharmacies, including:
- telecommunications impact on PBS online
- pharmacy claiming - missing scripts/no paperwork
- emergency relocation of a pharmacy.
Other resources
If your business has been affected by cyclones and/or floods, there's information and support services available to help you get your business back on track.
The Queensland Government, through the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, provides support to small businesses impacted by cyclones and floods.
Additionally, there are a range of services already available to assist you to recover from natural disasters and get your business back on track.
Find out more using the following links:
Free wellbeing support for general practice and pharmacy staff
NQPHN is offering free EAP support for all general practice and pharmacy staff affected by the impact of cyclones and/or floods.
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a work-based intervention program designed to enhance the emotional, mental, and general psychological wellbeing of all employees and includes services for immediate family members.
To access this confidential service, please contact AccessEAP on 1800 818 728 and identify as one of these groups when calling into our service, starting with Northern Queensland Primary Health Network, then either Chemist Staff or GP staff.
For more information on AccessEAP, visit their website.
NQPHN has also created an EAP support poster to advise staff of the service availability:
- Download poster (General Practices)
- Download poster (Pharmacies)
Wellbeing support for Practice Managers and their teams
AAPM has set-up a dedicated opportunity for Practice Managers and their team members to access the AAPM Member Assistance Program. AAPM will fully fund the first few engagements to ensure healthcare professionals can remain supported.
AAPM Non-Member Support can be accessed here using code NMS024 to successfully identify and validate your eligibly.
Head to Health
Prioritising your mental health is important. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, it’s available 24/7. Find resources and helplines at Head to Health.
A list of mental health and suicide prevention support services are listed in the drop down table below. Please note, NQPHN are not crisis or emergency services. For urgent support, call any of the numbers listed in the table below. If you need immediate help or are at risk of harm to yourself or others, call 000.
Support services
| Service | Description | Contact details |
|---|---|---|
| 13 YARN | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support line. Available 24/7. No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. | 13 92 76 / 13yarn.org.au |
| 1800 RESPECT | Free, 24/7 support for people impacted by domestic, family, or sexual violence. | 1800 732 732 / 1800respect.org.au |
| Beyond Blue | 24/7 support programs to address issues related to depression, suicide, anxiety disorders, and other related mental illnesses. | 1300 224 636 / beyondblue.org.au |
| Head to Health Phone Service | Local general mental health advice and support. You can make a free call to Head to Health between 8.30am-5pm weekdays (except public holidays). | 1800 595 212 / headtohealth.gov.au |
| headspace Cairns | Free mental health service available for 12-25 year olds. Headspace Cairns is closed during the cyclone event, but will post updates when reopened on their social media pages. E-headspace services are available, including phone and online support via the headspace web page. | Online and phone and support - headspace |
| Kids Helpline | Resilient Kids resource 'The Hub' is available for practical and mental health strategies to cope before, during and after a disaster. |
1800 55 1800 / kidshelpline.com.au/disaster-response |
| Lifeline Australia | Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention. | 13 11 14 / lifeline.org.au |
| StandBy Support After Suicide Service | 24-hour community-based, suicide postvention program for people bereaved by suicide. | 1300 727 247 / standbysupport.com.au |
| Suicide Call Back Service | Free counselling for suicide prevention & mental health via telephone, online & video for anyone affected by suicidal thoughts, 24/7. | 1300 659 467 / suicidecallbackservice.org.au |
| QLife | LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings, or relationships. | 1800 184 527 / qlife.org.au |
Environmental conditions after floods and cyclones increase the risk for infectious diseases.
Please be particularly alert to wounds exposed to muddy water and cases of invasive environmental bacteria such as leptospirosis and melioidosis:
- The incubation period is 5-14 days. Patients present with abrupt fever, headaches and myalgia.
- People displaced, re-entering inundated homes or after power-interruption face a variety of risks related to food spoilage, contamination and general hygiene. Most will be ordinary infections including viral gastroenteritis but food poisoning is possible too.
- Read more.
Remember that 'Food or water-borne illness in 2 or more cases' is one of the clinical Notifiable Diseases that you must inform the Public Health Unit of before lab confirmation. Visit the Public Health Unit website here to get in touch.
Queensland Health factsheets
- Drinking water during and after a disaster | Drink water safety in a disaster (PDF download)
- Flood health and safety
- Food safety after a disaster | Being food safe in a disaster (PDF download)
- Health and safety during and after a disaster | Staying safe during disaster clean up (PDF download)
- Medication safety in a disaster | Medication safety in a disaster (PDF download)
- Mosquitos and black flies in a disaster | Protect yourself against mosquitoes (PDF download)
- Mould after a disaster | Cleaning up mould after a disaster (PDF download)
- Swimming pool safety after a disaster | Getting your pool back to normal after a disaster (PDF download)
Worksafe
If you’re experiencing emotional stress or personal financial hardship from a cyclone and/or a flooding event, contact your local Qld Health emergency relief provider or counselling service or call the Qld Health Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 for help.
Community Recovery Hubs are a place where residents who are experiencing hardship can apply for grants and obtain emotional and wellbeing support. Community Recovery workers will assist with grant applications and offer referrals to other community organisations and government agencies for further assistance.
Visit the Queensland Government website to find your nearest Community Recovery Hub location.
During and after a disaster you may need practical assistance or community support to assist you and your family.
The Queensland Government's regional community support services brochures provide information and contact details for key community services available in your area, listed by region.
Also, after a disaster financial assistance may be available if you have been impacted and are unable to meet your own recovery.
A large number of those affected by disasters are children. They may have suffered major disruption, losses, or lived through frightening experiences. Many other children are affected indirectly, through hearing about a disaster or knowing someone who has been affected by a disaster.
The Australian Psychological Society has a useful fact sheet for parents and carers on helping children who have been affected by floods.
Federal Government’s information for school aged kids:
The Queensland Government has made available translated resources about financial assistance grants to distribute to your communities.
