Donations assisting flood-affected residents
Date published: 11 April 2019
Donations of both cash and volunteer labour have assisted flood-affected Townsville residents following the unprecedented monsoon.
Volunteer and community organisations such as Team Rubicon, Samaritan’s Purse, Lions Club, Combined Churches and the SES have provided physical assistance to over a thousand households during the recovery.
Townsville Local Recovery and Resilience Group (LLRG) Chair Cr Les Walker said they are encouraging residents to get in touch if they need support.
“The LLRG is urging anyone who may require any support such as housing or mental health services to get in touch or visit the Community Recovery Referral and Information Centres,” Cr Walker said.
“Thousands of items have been provided to the community to help meet basic needs, but our recovery strategy is also focusing on building the resilience of our residents.
“We want to ensure that every resident is getting access to every bit of support they are entitled too and need throughout the recovery.”
The total for cash and gift cards donated to GIVIT alone for the unprecedented monsoon that impacted North Queensland has reached over $3.6 million.
Donations to other partnered organisations have reached just over $5 million.
Community and Cultural Development Acting Committee Chair Cr Russ Cook said providing assistance to vulnerable members of the community is vital during recovery.
“A major focus for the recovery efforts has been ensuring there is support for our residents that are more vulnerable following the unprecedented monsoon,” Cr Cook said.
“To date, tens of thousands of psychosocial support services – including home visits, outreach, hotline and counselling – have been provided by various community organisations.
“Residents who need assistance can visit any of the Community Recovery Referral and Information Centres or calling their hotline.”
