Premier kick starts floods appeal campaign urging Qlders to dig deep

Premier and Minister for the Olympics The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Premier kick starts floods appeal campaign urging Qlders to dig deep

The Premier has kick started a flood donation campaign to help get flood affected Queenslanders back on their feet.

The Palaszczuk Government will donate $2.1 million on behalf of Queenslanders which will be split between five charities – $500,000 each toAustralian Red Cross, Lifeline Queensland, The Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul Society to help in their recovery efforts.

A $100,000 donation will go to GIVIT, which is in addition to funding they have already been provided in 2021-22 and further bolsters the state’s disaster recovery.

“We know in times of disaster, the Queensland spirit shines brightest,” the Premier said.

“We’ve seen it in our emergency crews and volunteers out saving lives in the middle of the flooding crisis.

“Mates helping mates and neighbours helping neighbours, that spirit is also in everyone involved in the incredible clean-up response underway.

“As we move into the recovery phase, our charities step in to provide critical services to help get Queenslanders back on their feet.

“So many people have lost their homes or had property damaged, experienced loss of support or work income, and are facing incredible hardship and challenges ahead.

“That Queensland spirit also comes from the generosity of Queenslanders who dig deep to help those in times of need.

“Every donation counts, no matter how small and I encourage Queenslanders who would like to help to make a donation to a registered charity.”

The Premier also urged businesses to get involved and thanked companies like BHP Foundation, The Star Entertainment Group and Suncorp for their donations.

BHP Foundation will donate $2 million to support emergency relief efforts for those impacted by the floods in Queensland and New South Wales.

“The destruction caused by the severe weather across Queensland and NSW has been heartbreaking – our thoughts are with everyone affected. We know when these serious events occur, it’s not just the immediate aftermath, but the days and weeks that follow. The contribution from the BHP Foundation will support emergency relief and recovery efforts in flood-affected areas, and longer-term build community resilience to manage the psychosocial impacts of more frequent and severe natural disasters,” said James Ensor, Chief Executive Officer, BHP Foundation.

The Star Entertainment Group CEO Matt Bekier said The Star was pleased to donate $200,000 to support Queensland’s flood recovery efforts including $100,000 to GIVIT and $100,000 to other local charities.

“The Star is proud to be supporting the Queensland Government’s flood donation drive and our national community partner GIVIT to support the work of these fantastic local charities in helping residents devastated by the floods to get back on their feet,” Mr Bekier said.

Suncorp’s contribution to the charity drive will be $200,000 as part of a $1 million donation across Queensland and New South Wales. This includes contributions to the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) and the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal.

Suncorp Group CEO Steve Johnston said: “Queenslanders have been here before and we know the coming weeks and months will be a tough as we start the physical and emotional recovery. Today we are showing that we are all here to support Queensland together.”

Non-government organisation supporting Queenslander’s impacted by 2022 floods and severe weather:

– GIVIT – QLD Flood Appeal (https://www.givit.org.au/appeals/givit-together/queensland-flood-appeal

– Australian Red Cross – QLD and NSW Flood Appeal (www.redcross.org.au/floodsappeal)

– The Salvation Army – QLD and NSW Flood Crisis (www.salvationarmy.org.au/donate/make-a-donation/donate-online/?appeal=2022floodappealhp)

– St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland – Vinnies Queensland Flood Appeal 2022 (www.donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-qld/vinnies-disaster-appeal-qld-2022)

– Lifeline Queensland – Emergency Appeal | Lifeline Queensland (www.lifelineqld.org.au/get-involved/donate/emergency-appeal).

GIVIT

“The funding received from the Queensland Government will allow GIVIT to meet the immediate material needs of Queenslanders impacted by the recent floods, with a commitment to purchasing from local businesses where possible.” – GIVIT CEO, Sarah Tennant.

AUSTRALIAN RED CROSS

“We welcome the funds which will greatly assist our work in the evacuation and recovery centres. Red Cross is providing personal support at evacuation and recovery centres across impacted flood areas and going door to door providing outreach alongside other agencies, wherever the needs are greatest.”– Queensland Director, Collin Sivalingum.

THE SALVATION ARMY

“For more than 50 years, The Salvation Army has been committed to supporting Australians through their darkest hour when disasters hit. We journey with people for the long-haul, doing our best to help Aussies get back on their feet. Salvo volunteers, employees and officers will be on the ground for years to come, journeying alongside Aussies and providing practical, emotional and mental support to see their lives transformed. Today, we remain committed to seeing people devastated by these floods recover, rebuild and regain hope in their lives”, Simon Gregory, Public Relations Secretary, The Salvation Army, Queensland.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY QUEENSLAND

“We’re very grateful to receive this funding from the Premier, which will allow our Volunteer Members to support impacted Queenslanders with immediate food, clothing, and accommodation assistance, as well as long-term recovery support to reestablish their homes and rebuild lives. Queensland, we are here for you.” – Kevin Mercer CEO St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland.

LIFELINE QUEENSLAND

Lifeline Queensland’s General Manager, Luke Lindsay said emotional distress after natural disasters is very real and can be harrowing. “Without early intervention, it can cause longer-lasting impacts for individuals and the broader community. That is why Lifeline is so vital in this first response providing immediate emotional support to anyone who needs it.”

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