When the storm came: How JAG teams stood strong through Cyclone Alfred

When Cyclone Alfred barrelled toward Queensland and New South Wales, it wasn’t just homes and schools in its path—it was entire communities.   But in the face of destruction, Junior Adventures Group (JAG) teams didn’t just respond; they went ‘above and beyond’, proving that in times of crisis, care, communication, and community mean everything. 

Preparedness before panic 

The response didn’t begin when the winds howled and the floodwaters rose—it began days before. The JAG team mobilised swiftly, anticipating the worst and planning for every possibility. 

“This didn’t start when the skies opened,” said Kate Cross, General Manager for JAG in Queensland.  “It started days before, with preparation, consideration, and a focus on keeping our people and children safe.” 

From emergency plans to open communication lines with schools, families, and staff, every step taken before the cyclone arrived made a difference in the days that followed. 

In crisis, connection was king  

As roads became rivers and powerlines fell, JAG team members weren’t just looking after their services—they were looking after each other. Staff who lost power and water found refuge in colleagues’ homes. Messages poured into group chats: “Does anyone need a shower?” “We’ve got power—come charge your phone.” 

“It wasn’t just about opening services—it was about making sure our people were safe, fed, and supported,” Kate said. “That’s the JAG spirit.” 

Across the impacted regions, teams worked tirelessly to keep children safe and families informed. The Customer Experience (CX) team based in Melbourne worked around the clock, sending out real-time updates—sometimes at 7 p.m., sometimes at midnight—so parents knew exactly what was happening. 

“Even in the middle of the night, there was always someone in Melbourne sending out communications,” said Melissa Clarke, Regional Director for JAG covering the Gold Coast and flood affected Northern NSW. “The support was there at every level of the business.” 

Pivoting in the face of disaster 

For many services, the aftermath of the cyclone meant complete devastation. Classrooms were flooded, furniture was destroyed, and entire buildings were deemed unusable. But JAG teams didn’t wait for solutions—they created them. 

At Picnic Creek Primary School in Pimpama, in the Gold Coast’s northern suburbs, staff were given just hours’ notice that their rooms were unusable. Instead of pausing operations, they moved quickly, setting up temporary spaces, ensuring children had a safe place to return to. 

“They had to pivot instantly,” Melissa said. “They worked long days, moving furniture, reorganising spaces—it was incredible to see their dedication.” 

In Harvey Bay, where the cyclone wasn’t expected to hit hard, an unexpected rain bomb left one JAG service at Sandy Straight State School underwater. Rochelle Anderson, JAG regional director for Hervey Bay, whose own home experienced flooding, arrived at the Sandy Straight service to find it seriously impacted.  

“We lost almost everything at the service,” she said. “But the team didn’t hesitate. Within hours, they were there—14 staff members, a skip bin, and some KFC to keep us going. We called ourselves the ‘Helping Hands Army.’”   

(Helping Hands is part of the JAG group of outside school hour care service providers).  

Leadership that put people first 

Through it all, leadership at JAG didn’t focus on business losses or operational disruptions. The priority was clear: safety first, always. 

“For 10 days, things like attendance numbers and staff rostering went out the window,” Kate said. “Our focus was making sure we reopened safely, with the same quality and care families expect from JAG.” 

Tony Burns, Regional Director for JAG on the Sunshine Coast, whose region was largely spared from significant cyclone impacts, echoed the sentiment: “The true strength of our team really shone through. We’re only as strong as our weakest link, and in this crisis, we proved just how strong we are as a unit.” 

A legacy of resilience 

Now, as services return to normal, the lessons learned from Cyclone Alfred remain. JAG’s response wasn’t just about disaster management—it was about people stepping up for each other, about resilience, about continuous and transparent communication and about a commitment that goes beyond the job. 

“We’re here for the kids, but in times like this, we’re also here for each other,” said Sarah Mott, whose Northern Brisbane services were minimally impacted. “And that’s what makes JAG different.” 

Through the storm, through the uncertainty, and through the recovery, JAG teams proved one thing above all: when communities need them most, they don’t just show up—they stand strong.