QLD Govt Donates $1M to Cyclone-Aid Charities

The Queensland Government has made a $1 million donation to be shared among four charities delivering immediate post-cyclone support and services –  bypassing the Premier's Relief Appeal which was established after Cyclone Yasi in 2011.

“This contribution of $1 million is the quickest, most direct, and most effective way the government can support people in cyclone-ravaged communities as they rebuild their lives,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

“The funds will be split equally among the Australian Red Cross Society, The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Society of Queensland, and UnitingCare Community.

“I urge Queenslanders to also support cyclone-hit communities by also donating funds to these charities who are right now in the field helping people in the reconstruction and recovery phase of the cyclone response.

“Giving cash to these respected charities that are very experienced in responding to community needs in the wake of a disaster is the best thing Queenslanders can do, and I am asking them to dig deep.

“The four major charities have staff and volunteers who are trained to respond to the needs of communities hit by natural disasters and can provide food, equipment, shelter, and other support.

“The Salvos are operating welfare centres and have also launched the ‘Fill a Fridge’ appeal to buy food for affected households.

“Red Cross staff are helping those affected cope with the psychological trauma they have experienced and Red Cross-trained teams of staff and volunteers are providing support to those who most need it, especially the vulnerable groups in our community.

“Vinnies has support centres in Rockhampton, Emu Park, Yeppoon, and Biloela and are helping people in severe financial hardship while UnitingCare is providing psychological first aid on the ground in disaster affected areas and currently has 40 counsellors in affected areas.”

“Anyone who has seen the scale of damage in the communities hit by Cyclone Marcia knows how much work there is to do not just to repair physical damage but to help people put their lives back together.

“Donors can be assured that these organisations will be on the ground doing all they can to help their fellow Queenslanders,” Palaszczuk said.

Anyone wanting to donate to help their fellow Queenslanders should ring the following numbers or visit the following websites:

• Australian Red Cross Society —1800 811 700 www.redcross.org.au (external site)

• The Salvation Army — 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) salvos.org.au/cyclonemarcia (external site)

• St Vincent de Paul Society of Queensland — 13 1812 vinnies.org.au/cycloneappeal (external site)

• UnitingCare Community — 3250 1900 www.uccommunity.org.au (external site)