With the 2025-26 Higher Risk Weather Season underway, Department of Children and Families (DCF) staff have stepped up to ensure they are ready to support Territorians if disaster strikes.
Training has been rolled out across the Northern Territory, with sessions held in Darwin and Katherine, and additional training scheduled for Alice Springs in early November. Staff from regional centres have participated in both Evacuation Centre and Psychological First Aid training, strengthening local capability to respond when communities are affected.
Last week, staff from across the Territory took part in Evacuation Centre Training (Level 1) and Evacuation Centre Management Training (Level 2), delivered by the Australian Red Cross in partnership with the department.
The training forms part of the Territory's annual preparedness activities and builds capability across the Welfare Functional Group, which is responsible for coordinating support in evacuation centres during cyclones, floods, fires and other emergency events.
Participants learned how to safely and effectively establish and manage evacuation centres, support displaced individuals and families, and work in partnership with the Australian Red Cross, non-government partners, local councils and other emergency response agencies.
Staff also visited Foskey Pavilion at the Darwin Showgrounds - a key facility that may be activated as an evacuation centre during an emergency.
Similar evacuation centre walk-throughs were held in Katherine at the Showgrounds, and in partnership with the Department of Education and the emergency shelter group at Katherine High School, MacFarlane and Casuarina Street Primary Schools. These exercises allow teams to practise coordination and ensure facilities are ready to safely accommodate evacuees when needed.
DCF Chief Executive Officer Brent Warren said the training was an important part of the Territory's preparedness for the coming months.
"Every year, the Northern Territory faces the risk of cyclones, flooding and severe storms," Mr Warren said.
"Our teams play a critical role in supporting affected Territorians through the Welfare Functional Group under the Territory Emergency Plan. This training ensures staff are ready, confident and capable to manage evacuation centres and provide essential care when people need it most."
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast an early onset to the wet season, with the first significant rains expected before December.
The department is working with key stakeholder the Australian Red Cross to ensure readiness across the Territory.
"We thank our partners at the Australian Red Cross for delivering this important training, and all staff who've committed time to developing their emergency response capability," Mr Warren said.
"Being prepared makes a real difference during times of crisis."
