Connections in a crisis:
Social media and
the Brisbane floods
"To me, value is about people finding new ways to connect and share ideas, and lending a helping hand when it’s needed most."Marcus Goddard, PwC Assurance Manager
Social media is having a profound impact on how we mobilise around events such as natural disasters, political issues and world affairs – sometimes prevailing when traditional forms of communication have proved less sufficient.
In January 2011, our country watched in dismay as the Brisbane River burst its banks and Brisbane experienced its worst flood in 37 years. Like much of the CBD, our PwC Brisbane office found itself affected by the floodwaters.
As PwC Brisbane was forced to close its doors, Marcus Goddard turned to Facebook as a way of maintaining contact with his colleagues across the city and reassuring them that help and support was available. Mobile connectivity became a lifeline as thousands of homes were cut off from power, and the Facebook group soon became a hub of activity, with more than 400 PwC members checking in with each other and offering help such as food, accommodation and transport.
As the immediate crisis eased, people began sharing information about power outages and how to volunteer. Some members even created their own PwC flood relief ‘armies’.
The Facebook group went national with the help of PwC’s communications, human capital and facilities teams. People who had never ventured into the world of social media were creating Facebook profiles so they could join the group and help in any way they could. What started as a quick and easy way to connect people in one office soon became a national concern, with colleagues helping and supporting each other in a time of great need.
The experience has brought PwC people closer together, demonstrating the power of social media in connecting people for a common cause.