As Australia prepares for another potentially challenging bushfire season new research highlights the importance of local community networks in sharing emergency information and protecting people during disasters. Experts say official warnings issued by government agencies are essential but trusted neighbourhood connections informal communication channels and community volunteers can play an equally important role in ensuring people receive timely and reliable information.
The findings are based on research by Susan Atkinson Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Canberra who examined how communities communicated during three major disasters: the 2022 Brisbane floods, the 2022 Northern Rivers floods and the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires along the far South Coast of New South Wales.
The research involved interviews with 19 community members and found that residents often depend on trusted individuals within their neighbourhoods to understand warnings, verify information and coordinate emergency responses.
Researchers identified certain community members as “information intermediaries” people who collect official updates, explain complicated warnings and share practical guidance with neighbours.
These individuals often use simple but effective communication methods, including face-to-face conversations, telephone networks and messaging groups. Such channels become particularly valuable when internet services, mobile networks or other communication infrastructure fail during emergencies.
Some communities have also established separate WhatsApp groups for everyday conversations and emergency information, ensuring that important warnings are not lost among routine messages.
The research highlights two individuals whose efforts demonstrate the importance of local leadership during emergencies.
Stuart, a resident of New South Wales’ South Coast, developed his own bushfire monitoring system before the 2019 fire season. He used digital applications to track fire locations and changing wind conditions while encouraging neighbours to develop a collective emergency plan.
Through informal neighbourhood meetings residents created a communication network that helped households remain updated about changing weather conditions and potential fire threats.
Another example is Margaret a Brisbane resident who established a temporary childcare centre after the devastating 2011 floods. Initially operated as a volunteer support hub, the initiative gradually expanded through community fundraising and grant support.
By 2022 it had developed into a government funded neighbourhood centre providing ongoing assistance to local residents, including support during future disasters.
Researchers suggest that emergency management agencies should identify trusted local communicators and establish direct relationships with them before disasters occur.
Maintaining contact details and understanding preferred communication channels could help authorities share verified warnings quickly while receiving real time information from residents on the ground.
Experts also recommend providing formal recognition and practical support to community volunteers who already play important roles in disaster preparedness and response.
Rather than creating entirely new communication systems, authorities should strengthen existing neighbourhood networks and integrate them into official emergency planning.
Residents living in disaster prone areas can also contribute by building relationships with neighbours, identifying vulnerable households and agreeing on ways to support one another during emergencies.
The research emphasises that effective disaster communication should not be measured only by how many people receive official alerts. It should also consider how quickly accurate information reaches trusted community members and the households that depend on them.
As climate related disasters increase pressure on emergency response systems, combining official warning services with strong local communication networks could help communities respond faster reduce confusion and improve public safety.