New campaign launched to boost community flood preparedness in the Northern Rivers

Developed in partnership with the NSW Reconstruction Authority and NSW SES and in consultation with local councils and the community, Prepare Together, Stronger Than Ever encourages people across the Northern Rivers to take small, practical steps to get ready, whether that's knowing their flood risk, understanding local warnings, making a plan, or looking out for each other.

The campaign comes as new research shows 89 per cent of Northern Rivers residents expect future floods, yet one in three still feel unprepared and almost half have taken no action to get ready.

Delivered across press, social, radio, outdoor and digital channels, the campaign features local imagery and voices and highlights the shared resilience and connection of communities who have experienced floods before.

For the first time, Northern Rivers communities can access region-specific flood preparedness information, including new videos and practical tools, in one central location. This improved access to localised information will make it easier for residents to understand their flood risk and take practical steps to prepare.

The program is supported by a suite of community engagement activities including catchment videos explaining how floods behave in local areas, place-based toolkits for councils, Big Maps for community events, and an expanded Living Memory - Living with the River initiative with Living Lab Northern Rivers.

Other initiatives include preparedness days, a targeted program for communities living behind a levee in Maclean and Grafton, a schools' partnership with Northern Rivers Performing Arts, a digital literacy program run through local libraries and local information noticeboards.

The Prepare Together, Stronger Than Ever campaign is an initiative of the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program and is funded by the Australian Government.

For more information and campaign assets please visit https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/northernrivers

The campaign will be rolled out in the Northern Rivers from Sunday 9 November.

Quotes attributed to NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib:

"The Northern Rivers knows better than most, the devastating impact floods can have, but we also know the extraordinary strength of these communities.

"This campaign is about empowering people to take small, achievable steps that make a big difference when it matters most.

"Being prepared isn't about being afraid - it's about what we can do to build community confidence and connection as well as looking out for each other."

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

"This campaign was shaped by the people of the Northern Rivers, people who've lived through floods and disasters, who've rebuilt, and who continue to look out for each other.

"It recognises the deep resilience and shared determination of our communities to be better prepared next time.

"When we prepare together, we really are stronger than ever."

NSW Reconstruction Authority A/Chief Executive Officer Kate Meagher said:

"This campaign reflects a locally led, regionally supported approach.

"We've worked closely with councils, schools, and community groups to make sure resources are relevant, accessible, and grounded in local experience."

NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Damien Johnston said:

"Whether you've lived in the Northern Rivers region for decades or just moved here, floods can affect us all. Know your risk, know your warnings, have a plan, and look after each other.

"The focus is on empowering people with practical tools and trusted information to support long-term resilience.

"Now is the time to get ready. Preparedness saves lives, and together, we can make a real difference before the next flood arrives."