Kids Ready, Community Ready launched to strengthen disaster resilience for children and communities

Australian Red Cross, Save the Children’s 54 reasons, and the QBE Foundation, have launched Kids Ready, Community Ready, a new child-centred disaster resilience partnership designed to help children and young people prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.

The partnership will be launched at St Ita’s Catholic Primary School, Brisbane, on Tuesday 13 October 2026 bringing together leaders from all three organisations, educators, students and community stakeholders to showcase a new approach to supporting children across the disaster continuum. This builds on the existing Community Ready Partnership between Australian Red Cross, Save the Children and QBE Foundation.

As disasters become more frequent and severe, children and young people are increasingly affected by disruptions to their safety, wellbeing, education and development. Yet support for children across preparedness, response and recovery efforts often remains fragmented.

Kids Ready, Community Ready seeks to address this gap by connecting Australian Red Cross’ disaster preparedness education with recovery and participation programs delivered by 54 reasons (part of Save the Children) as enabled through the support of the QBE Foundation.

At the launch event, guests will see demonstrations of key components of the partnership, including elements of Australian Red Cross’ Pillowcase Workshop, a Child Friendly Space and Journey of Hope program staged by 54 reasons, demonstrating support for children’s wellbeing and participation before, during and after emergencies.

Australian Red Cross Emergency Services Lead Carolyne Doherty said the partnership acknowledges the critical role children play in disaster resilience.

“Children experience disasters differently, yet they are too often overlooked in preparedness and recovery planning. Kids Ready, Community Ready recognises that resilience starts long before an emergency and that children are not passive recipients of support. By equipping children with practical skills, knowledge and confidence, we’re helping build stronger communities that are better prepared for future disasters.”

54 reasons Executive Director Vicki Mau said the Kids Ready, Community Ready program would put children at the centre of disaster resilience and recovery efforts.

“Children and young people are among the most vulnerable to disasters, and climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of the emergencies they face. We are committed to working in partnership to ensure that children are supported as active participants in preparing for and recovering from emergencies, and – importantly – to have a genuine voice in shaping stronger, safer communities.”

QBE Foundation Co-Chair, Julie Starley said the partnership brings together complementary expertise to provide more connected support for children before, during and after disasters.

“Building resilient communities requires sustained collaboration and support across every stage of a disaster. Through Kids Ready, Community Ready, we are proud to help bring together leading organisations to create a more coordinated, child-centred approach that supports communities when it matters most.”

The launch coincides with the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction and with this year’s theme, Resilience Starts at Home, highlighting the important role children and young people play in building safer, more resilient communities.

Through the partnership, children and young people will engage with preparedness education, recovery programs and participation opportunities that help them build the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to navigate disasters. Recognising children as important stakeholders in disaster preparedness and recovery, the partnership will create opportunities for them to contribute their perspectives, influence decisions that affect them, and co-design solutions that reflect their needs and experiences. When children are equipped with the skills, support and confidence to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters, the benefits extend beyond the classroom and into homes, families and communities.

Launch Event

Kids Ready, Community Ready Launch Event
Date: 13 October 2026
Time: 10am
Location: St Ita’s Catholic Primary School, 249 Gladstone Rd, Dutton Park QLD 4102

The launch event will feature:

• Spokespeople from Australian Red Cross, Save the Children’s 54 reasons and QBE Foundation.
• Demonstrations of the Pillowcase Workshop, Child Friendly Space and Journey of Hope programs.
• An overview of Our Voice.
• Student participation in resilience-focused activities
• Media interview and photo opportunities.
• Attendance from education sector stakeholders and community partners.

For media enquiries, including requests for interviews, please contact: media@redcross.org.au or 1800 733 443

About Australian Red Cross

Australian Red Cross is a volunteer-based organisation that exists to reduce human suffering, neutrally and impartially. With 112 years’ experience and a community of 18,000+ members and volunteers, we act locally and connect globally to deliver what’s needed, when it’s needed most. We belong to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (the Movement) and, together with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and 190 other National Societies in countries around the world, we are part of the world’s largest humanitarian network; 16 million volunteers that help people impacted by disaster, conflict, health and other social issues.

About Save the Children and 54 reasons

Save the Children is a global aid and development agency dedicated to helping children, directly reaching millions of children across more than 120 countries every year. Here in Australia and around the world, Save the Children gives a powerful voice to children and champions their rights, protecting them from abuse and neglect, providing access to healthcare and education and assisting children in times of emergency.

54 reasons, part of Save the Children Australia, works in almost 200 communities and locations across every Australian state and the Northern Territory. 54 reasons delivers quality services to children and families to support child development, diverts young people from the justice system, responds to domestic and family violence, and amplifies children’s voices and participation in decision making.

About the QBE Foundation

The Australia Pacific QBE Foundation is committed to creating strong, resilient and inclusive communities across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. We work in partnership with community organisations, with a focus on both climate resilience and inclusion, two areas where we believe we can have the greatest impact. Find out more on the QBE Foundation webpage.