Disaster Ready Saturday returns to Mackay and Sarina
Published on 22 September 2026
Meet the people you'll rely on when disaster strikes.
Residents will have a rare opportunity to speak face-to-face with emergency services, disaster management specialists and utility providers at this year's Disaster Ready Saturday events in Mackay and Sarina.
The first event will be held at Sarina Beach Road Shopping Centre, near IGA, from 9am to 1pm on Saturday, October 3, with the Mackay event following at Caneland Central, near Peter Alexander, from 9am to 1pm on Saturday, October 17.
Residents will be able to speak with emergency management experts, collect a free disaster preparedness information kit and complete a short preparedness survey for a chance to win a Honda generator valued at more than $2300, thanks to Mackay Outdoor Power Centre.
The survey will be open from October 3 to October 17.
Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group Mayor Greg Williamson said Disaster Ready Saturday offered residents a rare opportunity to access almost every major disaster response agency in one location.
“Outside of an actual emergency, there is no other time when you can speak face-to-face with so many disaster preparedness experts in the one place,” Mayor Williamson said.
“From emergency services and utility providers through to council's own flood modelling specialists, they're all there to answer questions, share practical advice and help residents prepare before the next disaster strikes.
“The Mackay event will feature council's flood modelling team and their interactive wave tank, which demonstrates the impact of storm surge and coastal flooding.
“For residents living near the coast, this team have information and modelling on rising sea levels and coastal hazards that can be vital for those forming their own disaster preparedness plans.”
Mayor Williamson said Disaster Ready Saturday was about empowering residents with the knowledge and tools they needed before disaster struck.
“Cyclones, bushfires, floods – natural disasters can happen anytime and anywhere,” he said.
"Preparation is one of the most effective ways to protect your family, property and community during an emergency.
“Knowing what to do before an event occurs can significantly reduce risk and stress when every minute counts.
"Disaster Ready Saturday gives residents the opportunity to speak directly with emergency management professionals, ask questions, learn how to prepare an emergency kit and understand where to find reliable information during an event."
Mayor Williamson said the event was especially important for new residents.
“If you’re new to Mackay and new to living in the tropical north, then this event is a perfect way to ensure you can tackle disaster season with confidence,” he said.
The Sarina event will include representatives from:
- Mackay Regional Council Emergency Management Team
- State Emergency Service (SES)
- Queensland Fire Department
- Queensland Ambulance Service
- Queensland Police Service
- Rural Fire Service
- Mackay Hospital and Health Service
- Australian Red Cross
- Ergon Energy
- NBN Co.
The Mackay event will include representatives from:
- Mackay Regional Council Emergency Management Team
- Mackay Regional Council Flood Modelling Team
- Maritime Safety Queensland
- State Emergency Service (SES)
- Queensland Fire Department
- Queensland Ambulance Service
- Queensland Police Service
- Surf Life Saving Queensland
- Mackay Hospital and Health Service
- Australian Red Cross
- Sunwater
- Ergon Energy
- NBN Co.
For more information and to complete the disaster preparedness survey (from October 3), visit connectingmackay.com.au/disaster-ready-saturday-2026