COMMUNITY | East Coast Floods - How you can help

7.3.22

Even if you don't live in Queensland or NSW you're sure to have seen news of the devastating floods that have hit much of the east coast of Australia this month. You've probably also felt a little frustrated and helpless. We know from our own experience how easy it is to feel helpless when watching the devastation play out in front of our eyes or through our screens if you're further afar. Power, internet, and services have all been limited too so it can be hard to stay up to date with exactly how to best support your fellow Australians. We've compiled some of the best ways to lend a hand and support.

The most mobilising help you can give right now is cash. Donations of goods can be tied up with logistics and distribution issues, while cash is liquid and can be allocated to the highest priority because we know things are changing by the hour.

Lismore Council Official Flood Fund

An official flood fund is crucial for supporting clean up efforts, and the council will be able to facilitate this best with their resources.

Name: Lismore City Council – Flood Fund Account

BSB: 062 565

Account: 10864633

Salvation Army

The Salvos have released $1 million to support flood-affected communities and have on the ground support providing meals and refreshments to first responders. You can donate online there, select 'Australian Disaster Relief' as the destination for your donation: https://bit.ly/SalvosDonateFloodFund

Red Cross

Red Cross accepts donations to enable volunteers and staff to help with evacuation and relief centres and outreach services. The funds will also be used to support individuals and communities in their recovery efforts and disaster resilience building: https://bit.ly/RedCrossFloodsAppeal

GIVIT

At a more grass roots level, GIVIT is working in conjunction with the Qld and NSW governments to manage offers of donated goods, services, volunteering and funds including corporate offers : https://www.givit.org.au/

Image: The Daily Mail

How can you help as a local?

The Byron Shire Council Facebook page is posting updated recovery plans and information on what is currently needed, and this post is an excellent summary of what to look out for: https://bit.ly/ByronShireFacebook

Support the @byron_rangers flood appeal to mobilise volunteers and donations. They are also accepting donations to support cleanups: https://bit.ly/ByronRangersFloodDonation

If you or someone you know owns an Airbnb in the region, offer this to someone who has lost their home or has nowhere to go.

Offer specific help, like 'can I clean the walls' instead of asking 'what can I do to help?'. People are overwhelmed right now and don't know what needs to be done or how to delegate that. Take the thinking pressure off them and make it easy to say yes. A great article to help understand what to do and not to do right now is this piece from The Conversation: https://bit.ly/TheConversationHowtoHelpFloodVictims

How to help businesses:

The best thing you can do to support flood-affected businesses is to keep supporting them.

Buy their products, even though there may be delays in shipping and communications.

Buy a gift card to use in the future. Cash flow for small businesses is vital right now.

If you can't support them financially, share their posts, engage with their content and subscribe to their newsletters. These things make a big difference to the people behind the brand.

The situation is evolving, and as conditions change, the needs of our communities also change. By no means is this an exhaustive list of what you can do to help, but it's a great place to start. Please stay safe and look out for each other. The strength in our community is a beautiful thing.

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