Outstanding support for Queensland flood victims

More than $575,000 has been raised to support Queensland communities affected by the recent floods.

During the Rotary Impact Seminar at Mission Beach, Qld, on March 29-30, District 9560 Governor Andrew Gillespie was getting increasingly worried: the reports from the Western regions of District 9560 in Queensland were not good. Following record-breaking rainfall, the region was inundated by the worst floods to hit communities in 50 years, with more rain forecast for the next few days.

Hundreds of residents were forced to evacuate, thousands of homes were damaged and farmers lost substantial amounts of stock, significantly impacting the wellbeing of their families and their livelihoods.

The Rotary Foundation team at the Rotary International office in Sydney reached out to Andrew and District 9620 Governor Sue Mulraney to see what help they needed to mobilise Rotary support for immediate help and grant projects further down the line.

Districts 9560 and 9620 had already appointed a disaster coordinator, who conducted an initial needs assessment and contacted state and local government authorities to collaborate.

Rotarians from Districts 9640 and 9620 have been working tirelessly in local communities, providing immediate relief and vital support to those affected by the floods,” said Sue.

“Their commitment goes beyond the initial response – this is an ongoing effort as they continue to identify needs and address the evolving challenges faced by impacted communities.”

Andrew responded to the TRF team’s offer immediately and a region-wide fundraising campaign addressed to all Rotarians was created, detailing options to give to the district’s emergency fund and The Rotary Foundation Disaster Response fund.

What followed was an incredible stream of donations to both funds – testament to the solidarity Rotarians and Rotary clubs felt with affected communities.

Between the district fund, the TRF fund and the RAWCS campaign, more than $575,000 has been raised to date, with further support trickling in. This is a strong indicator that increased coordination for fundraising efforts and collaboration in the promotion to all Rotarians leads to never-before-seen results!

Congratulations to the incredible Rotarians and Rotary clubs whose generosity has helped raise more than $575,000 for the Western Queensland Flood Appeal,” said Andrew. “Your support is making a real difference – helping farmers rebuild and communities recover. Special thanks to The Rotary Foundation Australia, RAWCS, the Rotary Club of Balwyn, Vic, and the 230-plus clubs and many individuals whose contributions are truly life changing.