Collaboration to improve evacuation centre operations in Queensland

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a case study of two organisations working in evacuation centres which overcame challenges to develop a constructive relationship, resulting in improved outcomes for disaster-affected people. A wide range of services for disaster-affected communities are provided as part of emergency sheltering. Collaboration between agencies providing services is essential, but sometimes challenging.

Design/methodology/approach

A wide range of services for disaster-affected communities are provided as part of emergency sheltering. Collaboration between agencies providing services is essential, but sometimes challenging. The purpose of this paper is to provide a case study of two organisations working in evacuation centres which overcame challenges to develop a constructive relationship, resulting in improved outcomes for disaster-affected people.

Findings

The Preferred Sheltering Practices provides an ongoing anchor for Australian Red Cross and Environmental Health Australia (EHA) (Queensland) Inc.’s relationship and has led to other tangible benefits such as involvement in each other’s events and trainings. The relationship has become embedded in each organisation’s day-to-day business ensuring the relationship’s sustainability beyond individual staff movements.

Originality/value

This case study provides an example of how collaboration can be achieved between two organisations with seemingly different mandates to improve the response for disaster-affected communities.

Citation

Somasundaram, T. and Jayne Davies, B. (2014), "Collaboration to improve evacuation centre operations in Queensland", International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, Vol. 5 No. 3, pp. 305-317. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJDRBE-01-2014-0012