People in areas of South-West Queensland affected by the floods of February-March are supporting each other in real community spirit.
Many of you may be wondering how you can help. Here is some information about flood appeals being advertised by our member churches at the present time, as well as other ways of contributing. Please advertise one or more of these in your pew bulletins and through your email networks.
We also bring you some information about Lifeline counselling and other services providing assistance to those affected. Read their media release below.
Archbishop’s Flood Appeal (Anglican Diocese of Brisbane)
The Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba is collecting donations through its parishes. If you wish to contribute, phone the office of the Diocese: 07 4632 4277 or sending a cheque to: Most Rev William M Morris, DD / Bishop of Toowoomba / PO Box 756 Toowoomba QLD 4350. We hear that Bishop Bill Morris is headed out to the flood-affected areas next week to support parishes there.
You can also donate to the Western Queensland flood appeal by visiting vinnies.org.au, calling 13 18 12 or sending a donation to PO Box 3351 South Brisbane, Qld 4101.
A retiring collection was taken up in parishes in the Archdiocese of Brisbane on the weekend. You can also ring a special credit card flood appeal hotline in the archdiocese: 07 3336 9274.
Roma Combined Churches' flood appeal
You can donate per internet using the following details:
Roma Combined Christian Churches Flood Appeal
BSB: 064428
Acc No: 10184049
or post cheques to: PO Box 1187 Roma Q 4455. Please make cheques payable to: Roma Combined Christian Churches Flood Appeal.
Jenny Stinson of Roma writes: "The churches in Roma are assisting to organise a community BBQ on Friday March 19th at 5.30pm at the Cultural Centre with health professionals, regional councillors, Spiritus representatives and others coming to listen to people sharing their stories of hope and friendship, as well as show photos of the flood."
Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal
Donations can be made in person at any of the big banks including the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Bank of Queensland, NAB, Westpac, ANZ and Suncorp.
Cheques can be made out to the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal, or donors can contact the Queensland government on freecall 1800 173 349 with their credit card details.
Alternatively, donations can also be made on the Queensland government website .
Donations of $2 or more to the appeal will be tax deductible.
Lifeline assistance
Here is the Media Release of Lifeline:
Lifeline teams report: Flooded communities experiencing emotional hardship
TUESDAY MARCH 9, 2010: The Lifeline Community Recovery Officers in Roma, Charleville and St George are reporting that although many in the affected communities have experienced flooding before, the psychological and emotional impact of the 2010 floods are taking some people to the brink of despair.
Lifeline Community Recovery Manager, Richard Johnson said the consistent rain and week-long threat is putting pressure on people’s general coping mechanisms.
“Its not the stress of the evacuation or the mammoth clean-up that is taking its toll, it’s the insidious feeling of vulnerability that is hampering people from moving on into the future,” Mr Johnson said.
“It’s been almost a week of threat and disruption for some people and they are becoming stressed and tired.
“Some people are clearly frustrated, particularly with the high levels of uncertainty with housing and finance.
“For others there is an emerging sense of resentfulness, but it’s not directed towards any specific person or agency.
“These are very normal feelings that accompany an event like this,” he said.
A natural disaster like a flood can often cause additional stress on existing personal situations.
“An elderly lady in one of the flood affected communities had her house inundated with water, destroying photos of her husband who had passed away two years prior,” Mr Johnson said.
“The grief and loss she is feeling during this period is compounded by the destruction of such sentimental items, not to mention the damage to her home.
“The community and her family is coming together to support her and Lifeline is there to help.
“Throughout all that she’s experienced, she is happy that her dog remains safe with her,” he said.
People need to make time for self-care during times of emotional stress.
Often during the intensity of the disruption, people get so focused on the work that needs to be done, that they forget to take a break.
It is very important, particularly for children, to re-establish a sense of routine as quickly as possible.
Returning to a normal routine will help to stabilise the sense of turmoil and disruption. For many adults this may take some time, but children are encouraged to return to school as soon as possible.
Lifeline Community Recovery Officers are available in the evacuation centre to talk to about any concerns residents may have or emotions they feel during this disruptive and difficult time and to work through the next steps towards recovery.
Lifeline Community Recovery workers will be included as part of a number of outreach teams deployed to attend to residents who have been isolated in their homes to ensure they have access to the support they need.
“Lifeline has mobilised a team of 20 staff for the immediate support of people in the flood affected regions and will continue to provide this support for the medium to long term,” Mr Johnson said.
“Community Recovery workers are flying into the disaster zones from several Lifeline Centres across Queensland,” he said.
Lifeline Telephone Counsellors are available 24 hours a day on 13 11 14.
Media Contact: For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Lifeline Communications Officer Anna-Maria Masci on 3250 1848, 0408 751 831 or
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