JT’s call to Get Queensland Ready for severe weather

As Queensland enters its high-risk weather season, rugby league legend Johnathan Thurston is urging all Queenslanders to Get Queensland Ready for severe weather.

Get Ready Queensland Week 2026 kicked off at the State Disaster Coordination Centre in Kedron today (6 October), with JT and Queensland emergency services coming together to promote household disaster preparedness. 

JT is the Get Ready Queensland program ambassador and the face and voice of new advertising campaign Get Queensland Ready, which will feature on TV, in print and across digital platforms till mid-November.

He said being prepared pays off, whether you’re running onto a footy field or approaching another disaster season.

“This year we’re saying to every Queenslander, don’t just Get Ready, Get Queensland Ready, because disasters hit differently in our state,” Mr Thurston said.

“As Get Ready Queensland ambassador, I’ve seen firsthand the positive community impact this program makes, and I’m proud to be playing a part in it.”

Queensland Reconstruction Authority CEO Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd) said small steps now can make a huge difference when a disaster arrives.

“Queenslanders can make their own luck by taking the 3 Steps to Get Ready: Know your risk. Make a plan. Pack an emergency kit,” Mr Ellwood said.

“These actions are key to building greater resilience in our homes, workplaces, schools, and in ourselves, and Get Ready Queensland Week is the perfect opportunity to get prepared.”

Suncorp Head of Home Insurance Josh Kelland said disaster resilience starts at home.

“Set aside some time this week to check your insurance is up to date, walk around your property, check for any maintenance issues and make a plan to address them before the next storm rolls through,” Mr Kelland said.

“A little preparation now can go a long way when severe weather strikes.”

Get Ready Queensland is the Queensland Government’s year-round, all hazards, resilience building initiative to help communities prepare for severe weather.

During Get Ready Queensland Week 2026 there are around 50 council-led events happening across the state, from Gold Coast to the Cape and west to Mount Isa, with each one providing an opportunity to learn, connect and have fun.

Queensland is affected by more disasters than any other state in Australia, and the message this year is simple: getting ready doesn't have to be complicated.

To help Queenslanders prepare for severe weather, the new Get Ready Queensland Checklist, available at getready.qld.gov.au/checklist, breaks down disaster preparation into small, achievable actions that can be ticked off and built on over time.

Research shows people who are prepared for disasters recover faster than those who rely solely on outside help.

Queensland's weather can change quickly, and households and businesses need to be ready for anything, from floods, storms and cyclones to bushfires and heatwaves.

For information, resources and tips on how to Get Queensland Ready, and to find out what events are happening this Get Ready Queensland Week, visit getready.qld.gov.au.