Smiling in the face of disaster
As if Cyclone Yasi wasn’t enough about 12 months ago, Townsville has been hit yet again. With days of constant rain followed by the disaster of “Miss Mini Tornado” it’s a wonder they can smile at all up there in the “Sunshine State”. But they are. In typical North Queensland style they are rolling their sleeves up, turning their frowns upside down and smiling in the face of this latest disaster.
The freak tornado ripped through what seemed like randomly selected suburbs just before dawn on Tuesday morning. Townsvillle Faithworks Corps Officer, Major Garry Johnson said: “she was short but very intense.” The local business centre of Aitkenvale and a few surrounding residential suburbs were the worst effectedareas – a one kilometre strip of destruction, about 400 metres wide.
Naturally with such concentrated destruction, and structurally far worse than when Yasi hit, there are people hurting and in great need. Houses and businesses have been destroyed, livelihoods are in turmoil. For a number of Townsville residents, the sun isn’t shining and they have little to smile about.
This is where the local Salvation Army is stepping up, shining and smiling for those who can’t. Under the co-ordination of Major Garry Johnson, a team of faithful Salvationistsoperated an emergency evacuation centre. Working with the local council and government departments, The Salvation Army is helping to provide food and refreshments, along with a dose of compassion and a well-received smile where there’s not a lot to smile about.
While the evacuation centre was only operational for about 24 hours there is a recovery centre set up for the ongoing needs of those affected by the tornado. The Salvation Army will be on hand to help out wherever necessary to get people back on their feet. The generous people of Townsville have been quick to support the relief effort: “people have been offering food supplies and household goods for those in need,”says Major Johnson.
Despite the tragedy caused by the tornado, it has been a terrific opportunity to see the new Salvation Army Northern Hub in action. Under the leadership of Major Beth Twivey, the many expressions of The Salvation Army in Townsville have been cross-pollenated into mission. Major Twivey says: “between the two corps working together along with Salvo Stores, Community Welfare, Moneycare, the Indigenous Program and Red Shield Defense Services we’re all getting in there doing our bit to help those in need.”
There is a strong and visible expression in Townsville of The Salvation Army doing what it does when disaster strikes: showing the love of Christ, with a smile.
Report by Major Carolyn Harmer
Images courtesy of the Townsville Bulletin
Photos show the aftermath of the "Mini Tornado"
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