New batch of Safety Heroes recruited for Queensland

The 2026 Safety Heroes program was launched by Queensland Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership David Janetzki at Toowoomba East Primary school to kick-off Electrical Safety Fortnight, which runs from 31 August-13 September.

Nearly every Queensland school is again participating in the program, which reinforces the value of teaching students from Prep to Year 6 how electricity works and how to stay safe around it.

“This year 99% of Queensland primary schools have registered for Safety Heroes and I’m delighted to launch this year’s program in Toowoomba,” Treasurer Janetzki said.

“Each year Queenslanders face the impact of severe weather, bushfires and floods and it’s important that people of all ages know exactly what to do when they are faced with electrical hazards at home and in the community.

“One of the biggest risks when severe weather strikes are fallen powerlines, which can be brought down by falling trees, flying branches and other airborne debris.”

“As part of the Safety Heroes program, the children are taught to stay at least ten metres away from deadly hazards and tell an adult to report them to emergency services on 000.”

Ergon Energy Area Manager Jason Rowe said teaching young people about electrical safety has never been more important as so much of our everyday lives is now reliant on electricity,

“I have crews working with electricity right across the region from depots here in Toowoomba, Millmerran, Warwick and Stanthorpe and they get closer to poles and wires, transformers and substation equipment than anyone else, so electrical safety is the most important thing they need to think about when they go to work each day,” Jason said.

“The Safety Heroes program is really important to Ergon, because it’s giving young people in our community important information they can share with their friends and family.

“That’s why we have members of our teams from right across Queensland who volunteer to come to schools and speak with students.

“Hopefully it will spark some interest in the students here not just to be Safety Heroes, but also to think about joining Ergon when they’re old enough.”