More Community Recovery support going to cyclone hit areas

Communities Minister Shannon Fentiman today announced a further 50 community recovery personnel have been sent to assist in cyclone-hit areas of Central Queensland.

 A second Community Recovery Hub will also be opened in Rockhampton staffed by 20 recovery workers and partner agencies.

 The facility at James Lawrence Pavilion will be open to the public tomorrow from 10am to 5pm and from Saturday 28 February to Friday 6 March between 9am and 5pm.

 “Community Recovery staff and volunteers are doing a great job and are trying to help as many people as possible,” Ms Fentiman said.

 “We know more has to be done and the extra staff will enable quicker processing of requests and undertake more outreach visits to people in their homes.”

 So far over 700 payments of Immediate Hardship Assistance have been made to more than 1500 people who have been affected by Tropical Cyclone Marcia.

 Aside from financial assistance, there are food vouchers available as well as other support from our non-governmental partners.

 Ms Fentiman said she felt heartened by the groundswell of support from the local residents and people from across the state who have donated meals and essential items.

 “It is all part of our communities’ long tradition of Queenslanders helping Queenslanders and it was great to see it in action, first-hand.”

 “We still have a long way to go in our community recovery efforts, so any offer of support is gratefully received,” she said.

 “For anyone wishing to donate to the TC Marcia efforts, I would encourage people go to the GIVIT website (www.givit.org.au) who are the official receiver and distributor of donated goods.”

 Anyone requiring assistance should ring the Community Recovery hotline 1800 173 349 or visit a Community Recovery Hub.

 The current Community Recovery Hubs are open from 8.30am-5pm each day. Locations are:

• Rockhampton -  Walter Reid Centre, Cnr Derby & East Street, Rockhampton
• Yeppoon -  Yeppoon Town Hall, 25 Normanby St, Yeppoon 
• Biloela - Biloela Research Station, 98/102 State Farm Road, Biloela

Media Contact:                      Minister Fentiman’s office                   0437 336 232