There When It Matters
Chaplains supporting communities when disaster strikes
Who We Are
The Queensland Disaster Chaplaincy Network (QDCN) was formed in 2022, in recognition of the need for a coordinated disaster chaplaincy response to Queensland following the 2022 South-East Queensland flood event.
Queensland Disaster Chaplaincy Network is an ecumenical network of chaplains established to assist people in QLD who’ve been affected by disasters and critical incidents, established with the following purposes:
Recruit and train appropriate people, under the authority of their denomination or organisation, in disaster response chaplaincy.
To support the deployment of disaster response chaplaincy with Local, District and State Disaster Management Groups responding to a Disaster or Emergency.
To engage with the Queensland Government Disaster Management Committee in the deployment of Disaster Response Chaplains for Disasters or Emergencies.
Support and resource local churches and organisations in development of resilience, and the recovery phase of Disasters and Emergencies.
Holistic Approach To Disaster Relief
Chaplains work both in evacuation centres, community recovery hubs and on outreach within communities.
Our chaplains are trained in Psychological First Aid, working with Mental Illness, Referral Pathways, De-escalation Techniques, Identifying needs holistically, Understanding trauma and a trauma-responsive approach, Vicarious trauma and self-care and how to work with local spiritual leaders to support community recovery and resilience.
Disaster Relief
We provide holistic, person-centred and person-led pastoral and spiritual care in communities and centres affected by disaster.
How We Help
Centre Support
We help support centre managers and other agencies in identifying a range of interpersonal and intrapersonal needs which may relate to supporting disaster-affected people to meet their physical, emotional, social, spiritual and cultural needs.
Debrief & Assist
We debrief disaster affected people and are available to provide debriefing for agency staff.
Existing Relationships
QDCN is a preferred provider for Chaplaincy Services as part of Disaster Recovery: Human and Social Services with the Queensland State Government, Department of Communities, Community Recovery. QDCN has established formal relationships with several Queensland Local Government Areas (Councils) to support communities during the immediate evacuation phase of disasters. We are working to establish such relationships with all local councils in Queensland.
Become A Queensland Disaster Chaplain
QDCN runs an up-skilling training course for professional and/or accredited chaplains and credentialed ministers. To take part in training you will need to hold an ordination with your denomination, or an accreditation/professional chaplaincy role with a recognised chaplaincy organisation.
