The finishing line...

There is still a long way to go within the Tsunami campaign at FESA.

My crisis communication plan was a strong start, and I am determined to have strong examples of how my strategies can be implemented to show for my time at FESA.
But something happened, and my plan was put on hold…

A Tsunami hit off the coast of Sumatra and nine Australian’s were missing for close to 24 hours. I closely monitored the media to get all the information that I could on the situation and then began to research whether any of the Australia’s was from WA. I also began to brainstorm ways that this news could be utilized for the tsunami campaign, as it was a perfect example of why tsunami awareness should be increased.
Suddenly, the phone started ringing with members of the public concerned that the effects of this Tsunami would be felt off the WA coast. The FESA Media and Public Affairs team had to patiently explain that there was “no threat issued” from the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre.

Through such tragedy there has been an opportunity to promote messages about tsunami warning systems and generally raise awareness. This tragedy has helped make Tsunami awareness relevant, which has recently been a bit of a stumbling block within my campaign.

Two messages have emerged through the Indonesian tsunami news story.
1) After feeling a small shock in the water, the skipper of the missing Australian surf tour started his boat up and began motoring out into open water.
This is a key message within the crisis communication plan – for boats in open water to stay in open water and travel “three nautical miles to the seaward side of any reef.”

2) That the Indonesian warning system may have failed. This news story might encourage JATWC or BOM to release some information about the impressive system that we have monitoring Australian shores this would reassure the public.
At the close of my internship at FESA, I feel that I am slowly being cut adrift. With a busy bushfire season beginning six months early, all attention has been turned to it and all systems are firing on all cylinders. I have enjoyed my time at FESA although, I am not sure that I was utilized as best as I could be, within their day to day activities and duties.

I did really appreciate the opportunity to have the Tsunami project all to myself and I think that it will be sad not to see the end and my work get implemented. Now I am an expert on the subject of tsunamis, so hopefully it will come up in conversation sometime. :)
Best of luck guys, I have really enjoyed hearing all of your stories!!