Cyclone Yasi victims still suffering
Stoic locals are getting on with life but Cyclone Yasi’s affects are still being felt. (Photo: Mervyn Holland)
More than 18 months after Cyclone Yasi cut a path of destruction through Far North Queensland, The Salvation Army says many people are still suffering the effects of the disaster.
The Army has two volunteers still working in the small town of Tully and the surrounding area, which bore the brunt of Yasi in early February last year, providing pastoral care and emergency assistance where needed.
“We’ve had tremendous acknowledgement and gratitude and tears of literally hope and joy that we are still on the ground, still plugging away helping people,” says Fiona Oliver, Community Services Officer for the Army’s Cairns and Far North Queensland Community Services Centre.
But, she says, more care and support is desperately needed.
“Food vouchers are not enough,” she says. “It’s scratching the surface but it’s not dealing with the cause of a lot of psychological issues there. That tends to be housing repairs and things like that.”
Fiona says she was moved to action after visiting the region recently and realising that many people are still living under tarpaulins. “The way some people are living is just not adequate on so many levels,” she says.
Counselling services are available through The Salvation Army at Cairns and the State Government-funded Tully Support Centre, as well as some other agencies. But, according to Fiona, the root cause of people’s stress is often financial.
“You can counsel somebody and talk to them as long as you like but if you can’t actually assist with the problem that’s causing it then we’re not going to help solve these issues - we’re not going to help move these people on,” she says.
The Army’s Far North Queensland Hub has passed on its concerns to Territorial Headquarters, and Territorial Mission and Resource Director – Social, Major Paul Moulds, will visit the area this month to assess the situation and speak directly with workers and affected residents.
“We will investigate what extra support can be given to help people and move quickly to do something,” says Major Moulds.
Comments
No comments yet - be the first.