Are all the attachments to your home secure? This weekend, head outside to check for loose tiles, panels, rotten timber and other structural issues that could cause damage in a storm. It’s much more pleasant doing this type of work when the weather’s nice rather than in the summer heat with a storm approaching!

While summer is known for storms and cyclones, we regularly experience severe storms of cyclonic proportions during the winter months. These events are called East Coast Lows. 1967 was a particularly bad year for these events, with three storms hitting South East Queensland in June alone.

As bushfire season approaches, it’s worth reflecting on a historic bushfire tragedy. In October 1918, five men died while fighting a bushfire in Saltern Creek, near Barcaldine. Newspaper reports vividly recount the story as locals battling the fire were swiftly overwhelmed by sudden wind changes.

Cyclone Yasi hit north Queensland in 2009, but its effects still linger. As support for children continues in schools, Cardwell school's P&C president David Mair has produced a DVD with proceeds from the $20 purchase going towards school counseling support.