Salvation Army Emergency Services teams respond to flood and storm devastation
The Salvation Army’s Brisbane Streetlevel Mission coffee van serving refreshments to those affected by floodwaters in the Brisbane suburb of Windsor. (Photo courtesy of Brisbane Streetlevel Mission)
The Salvation Army is responding to the needs of thousands of Queensland and NSW residents affected by the floods and wild storms that have resulted from ex-tropical cyclone Oswald.
Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) staff and volunteers have been deployed to 11 designated evacuation centres and continue to provide vital services to those affected by the floods. As of yesterday afternoon (28 January), more than 120 Salvation Army volunteers had provided in excess of 4405 meals.
SAES teams are engaged at Bundaberg, Gladstone, Warwick, Murgon, Ipswich, Goodna, Gympie and Carindale in Queensland, and Tweed Heads in NSW. Teams from Townsville and Rockhampton have been on standby to assist in Bundaberg, while other units are ready to assist in south Queensland and at Ballina, Lismore and Casino in north NSW.
Salvation Army spokesperson, Major Bruce Harmer, says “coming off the back of the destructive fires in south-east Australia, these storms have come as a shock to many. The destruction to property as well as the emotional impact on individuals and families is of great concern to us.”
As well as helping others, The Salvation Army is also dealing with its own losses. In its Central and North Queensland Division, the Army’s Bundaberg welfare centre has been flooded while water is rising in the church hall. The Laidley Salvation Army hall in its South Queensland Division has been flooded and floodwaters are threatening Salvation Army buildings in Bundamba and Goodna.
The Salvation Army has launched a flood appeal to help fund its work supporting those affected.
"The Salvation Army’s initial response is to work closely with emergency services in providing humanitarian support [primarily catering] at evacuation centres,” says Major Harmer.
“The next stage in our service delivery will be to provide ongoing support to individuals and families once the full extent of the devastation becomes apparent.”
People wanting to donate to the flood appeal can give to The Salvation Army’s Disaster Relief Fund at salvos.org.au, by phoning 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or in person at any Westpac branch or Woolworths and Big W stores across Australia.
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