How to assist flood-affected communities in NSW and Queensland

Australia’s east coast is in the midst of one of the worst floods in the country’s history. After a summer of record high rainfall, the floods have so far caused a number of deaths, and the evacuation of thousands of Queensland and New South Wales residents.

Here are some effective ways to help the victims that won’t overwhelm the resources of the affected communities.

Goods

At this stage, clothing and other goods are not recommended donations unless a charity or town specifically requests them. This is because many of the affected locations are without postal services and charities do not have enough resources to process the goods.

However, affected individuals can post requests for specific items they need on donation platform GIVIT. The platform gives one the option of funding the request, or donating the item itself.

Time

Crisis Heroes connects those in need to people able to provide physical help with tasks such as heavy lifting, mould removal, and transport. It’s an easy-to-use platform that allows individuals to provide targeted help.

Seek Volunteer keeps an updated list of organisations in need of physical volunteers.

Money

St Vincent de Paul and The Australian Red Cross are both accepting financial donations for flood appeals in NSW and QLD.

The Red Cross appeal enables volunteer and staff to help with evacuations, relief centres and outreach service as well as supporting the recovery of the affected areas.

Donations to St Vincent’s will go towards food supplies and other essentials as well as helping families move back home, and replacing damaged furniture.

The Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Services are on the ground in both states and are accepting donations to supply volunteers with resources and equipment.

Fostering animals

Hundreds of animals have been displaced during the floods, and cannot stay in evacuation centres.

Anyone who sees injured or sick wildlife should call the RSPCA hotline 1300 ANIMAL.

The RSPCA is also asking those with the ability to foster an animal to contact fostering@rspcaqld.org.au. RSPCA NSW no longer requires volunteers to foster displaced animals.

You can find an updated list of the current evacuation centres in NSW here and QLD here.

Crisis support is available from Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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