Financial assistance is available for people needing urgent help after Tropical Cyclone Marcia following the activation of Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) in conjunction with the Commonwealth Government.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the government had moved quickly to ensure financial help was made available to those who needed it most and immediate advice could be accessed by calling the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
“The Commonwealth Government has approved financial assistance for personal hardship, reconnection of essential services and for the restoration of essential public assets and infrastructure,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“As I’ve been out and about in communities affected by Cyclone Marcia, I’ve seen first-hand the devastation that’s been caused and its absolutely heartbreaking impact on locals.
“A lot of people are facing an uphill battle to get up and running again.
“This NDRRA activation means people who are doing it tough in Central Queensland can access the help they need as they move into a recovery phase.
“It’s important that we transition very quickly into the recovery phase where it is safe to do so.“
The government has provided a $1 million state government contribution to help cyclone-hit communities which will be shared among four charities delivering post-cyclone support and services.
“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,” Ms 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 donating funds to these charities who are right now in the field helping people in the reconstruction and recovery phase of the cyclone response.”
Ms 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
- The Salvation Army — 13 SALVOS (13 72 58)
- St Vincent de Paul Society of Queensland — 13 1812
- UnitingCare Community — 3250 1900
“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,” she said.
“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,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
Find out more about recovery after a disaster.
