Rotary funds assist flood victims

The Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS), helps Rotary, to help communities with humanitarian aid projects, big or small.

 

Earlier this year southern Queensland and northern New South Wales experienced the nation’s worst flooding since Brisbane 2011. Flood waters impacted the Ipswich region and many people were forced to flee their homes twice within weeks as the concentrated low-pressure system continued to bring heavy rains.

 

Rotary Australia World Community Service or RAWCS, created a national Flood Relief Appeal for people impacted by the floods including those in Goodna and environs. “The money raised from the Appeal will go directly and quickly to support those impacted, providing essential items and financial support where Disaster relief and Insurance claims won’t stretch,” said Rotary Australia World Community Service Ltd CEO Andrew Woodward.

 

Hundreds of homes in Goodna, which has a population of about 8,000, were severely damaged and remained uninhabitable. Many residents lost possessions with several homes submerged, many up to their roofs. With the uncertainty of government assistance, the beneficiaries of money raised by the RAWCS Flood Appeal were able to liaise with the Rotary Club of Goodna, assisted by Goodna Street Life, and advise of their immediate needs such as the cleaning and refurbish their residences.

 

Individuals who were adversely affected and required assistance, were identified, and given funds to help with their recovery.

 

As such, 20 needy Goodna families or individuals were identified and issued with $500 gift vouchers to assist with their rehabilitation.

 

All who applied lost all of their possessions, their properties were not insured and have suffered hardship. One of the recipients was Neville Van Sanden who lost all his possessions in Mill Street Goodna, when the flood water level reached roof level. Neville had to relocate temporarily to the Helen’s Haven homeless shelter for accommodation.

 

Pictured is a very happy Neville Van Sanden with his RAWCS $500 flood voucher and debit card.

 

Kind Regards

 

Chris D. Steinback, PHF: President