St Vincent’s Care Services won the First Nations category at the 2025 Future of Ageing Awards for its rapid, compassionate response in safely evacuating First Nations residents threatened by Tropical Cyclone Alfred, while prioritising cultural safety, dignity and continuity of care. Results were unveiled at a presentation dinner in Sydney on November 27, 2025…To view all of the results…
In March 2025, as Tropical Cyclone Alfred tracked toward South East Queensland, an urgent call for help was received from Moopi Moopi—the only aged care home on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), which serves a predominantly First Nations community.
With the safety of ten residents and one community client at risk, and the likelihood of staff being cut off from the mainland, a rapid evacuation was required. In less than 24 hours, an unused hospital ward at St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Kangaroo Point, was transformed into a fully functioning temporary aged care facility.
This emergency response ensured residents were kept safe while preserving dignity, cultural sensitivity and continuity of care. It demonstrated what is possible when trust, preparation and partnership underpin service delivery for First Nations communities.
Background
Moopi Moopi is a small, remote aged care home located at Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island. For more than a decade, it has been supported through a social justice partnership focused on improving access to culturally safe aged care for First Nations elders.
In early March 2025, worsening weather forecasts indicated the island was likely to be directly impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred. With ferry services at risk of being suspended and limited emergency infrastructure on the island, residents faced the prospect of being isolated in dangerous conditions.
Given the high clinical and personal care needs of residents, evacuation was the safest option. However, with no spare capacity across existing aged care homes, an alternative solution was required — one that could be implemented immediately and with care.
Beyond logistics, the move posed emotional and cultural challenges. Leaving Country, even temporarily, can be deeply unsettling. The response needed to prioritise not only safety, but familiarity, respect and calm during a period of uncertainty.
Once the decision to evacuate was made, teams coordinated across multiple services to deliver a rapid, compassionate response.
“Leadership, collaboration, and engagement rated highly due to the complexity of the task and the breadth of stakeholder involvement.”
Future of Ageing Awards judge
Planning and transport
A vacant hospital ward at St Vincent’s Private Hospital Kangaroo Point was identified and approved for conversion into an aged care environment. Residents and one community client were safely transferred via one of the last barges leaving the island on Monday, 3 March, with support from the Queensland Ambulance Service.
Rapid conversion of space
Within hours, the ward was equipped with appropriate beds, mobility aids and clinical supports. Care plans were transferred and adapted to ensure continuity, and catering services were adjusted to meet individual dietary needs.
Staffing and continuity of care
With Moopi Moopi staff unable to remain on-site once conditions deteriorated, a team of approximately 50 staff was mobilised. They camped onsite for five days, providing 24/7 care and maintaining routines residents were familiar with.
Communication and connection
Families were kept informed throughout via regular updates. Once conditions allowed, visits were facilitated to maintain connection and reassurance. Staff worked carefully to ensure the temporary environment felt safe, personal and respectful.
Learnings and sustainability
The evacuation highlighted both the vulnerability of remote aged care services during natural disasters and the importance of strong partnerships and preparedness.
The ability to repurpose hospital infrastructure in under 24 hours demonstrated the value of flexible systems and values-led decision-making. While no specific external funding was allocated, costs were absorbed as part of a broader commitment to continuity of care and community responsibility.
Post-event debriefs captured key learnings, strengthening emergency response protocols for remote and culturally distinct communities and improving cross-organisational readiness.
Who was involved
Internal stakeholders
- Moopi Moopi team
- Residential Care Services leadership
- Care and Clinical Governance
- Facilities and Supply teams
- Catering services
- Cleaning and Environmental Services
- People and Culture
- Governance and Risk
- St Vincent’s Private Hospital Kangaroo Point
- Executive leadership
External stakeholders
- Queensland Ambulance Service
Evidence of success
- All residents and one community client evacuated safely with no incidents or hospitalisations
- Uninterrupted, high-quality care delivered over five days
- Approximately 50 staff providing round-the-clock support onsite
- Strong family communication and restored visitation as soon as conditions allowed
- A hospital ward converted into a functioning aged care environment in under 24 hours
- National media coverage recognising the response as a rare and highly coordinated example of aged care disaster management
Impact
The Moopi Moopi evacuation was more than an emergency response — it was a demonstration of respect, trust and partnership with a First Nations community. It showed how culturally safe, person-centred care can be upheld even in crisis, and set a benchmark for supporting remote aged care services during natural disasters.
