The Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) joined forces with principal community partner Suncorp to attend Elders FarmFest at Kingsthorpe Park, Toowoomba.
Over three busy days, from 2 to 4 June, SES members and Suncorp’s Disaster Management Team delivered a highly successful joint community engagement stall, connecting with thousands of visitors from across Queensland.
As one of Australia’s premier agricultural field days, FarmFest featured more than 750 exhibitors showcasing the latest in agricultural innovation, machinery, technology and rural services. The event attracted farmers, agribusinesses and community members from across the state, providing a valuable opportunity to promote severe weather preparedness and community resilience.
Volunteers from the Toowoomba and Oakey SES Groups attended in force, supported by SES staff from our Toowoomba regional office and the State Partnerships team. Together, with Suncorp representatives, they created an engaging and interactive display that encouraged meaningful conversations about preparing for severe weather, understanding the role of the SES and exploring volunteer opportunities.
Toowoomba SES Group Leader, Andrew Shepherd, said the event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with the community in a relaxed and meaningful way.
“It was great to be out in the community just having conversations in a relaxed atmosphere, talking with people about how the SES can help in times of need. It was a fantastic couple of days spent engaging with visitors and sharing what we do to support our community.”
A popular attraction was the SES flood boat display, alongside a chainsaw response exhibit featuring operational equipment and a mannequin dressed in full chainsaw personal protective equipment. These displays gave visitors a firsthand look at some of the specialised capabilities SES volunteers use to support Queensland communities during emergencies.
The Suncorp bubble machine proved to be another crowd favourite, drawing families and visitors from across the event to the stall. Once there, children and adults alike participated in a range of interactive activities designed to build awareness of severe weather preparedness.
Popular activities included the Suncorp spin-the-wheel challenge, where participants answered questions about preparing for emergencies, and the emergency kit activity boards, which encouraged families to think about the essential items needed during severe weather.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Ayesha Murray, who manages partnerships for the SES, said it was a fantastic opportunity to engage directly with Queensland's rural and regional communities, raising awareness about how to prepare families and properties for severe weather.
