Premier thanks IGA for donation for Queenslanders impacted by Debbie

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has congratulated IGA Queensland on its $100,000 donation in gift cards to residents affected by Cyclone Debbie.

“IGA’s donation is another great example of business supporting their local community following ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie,” she said.

“IGA stores in the region, like the SUPA IGA at Bowen, were affected Debbie. This donation will help.”

The funds will be provided through individual $50 gift cards which will be distributed to people in need through Queensland Government partner GIVIT – Goods for Good Causes.

GIVIT is a national not-for-profit organisation supporting Queensland households affected by Cyclone Debbie by connecting those who have with those who need.

The Government has been encouraging people to donate goods and services to GIVIT through their website www.givit.org.au.

IGA stores in the region also donated eight pallets of water and 80 cartons UHT long life milk to the local SES centres for the local community

Additional to the Cyclone Debbie donation, IGA Community Chest raises funds to support local charities in their communities and other worthwhile causes.

Metcash, the wholesale provider to IGA stores nationally, has been working to maintain food supplies to supermarkets in the wake of road and rail closures. 

The Premier said she continued to encourage anyone wanting to help their fellow Queenslanders to make a donation directly with a respected charities Australian Red Cross Society —1800 811 700 redcross.org.au, The Salvation Army — 13 72 58 www.salvos.org.au, St Vincent de Paul Society of Queensland — 3010 1002www.vinnies.org.au/donate, UnitingCare Community — 1800 001 953 uccommunity.org.au/disaster-relief.

Ms Palaszczuk said under the joint Commonwealth and State funded Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, Immediate Hardship Assistance of $180 per person up to $900 for a family of five or more is available to people who:

• live or are stranded in the targeted activation zone

• are unable to meet immediate essential needs

• are unable to seek support from family or friends

More than $13 million has been paid to more than 32,000 applicants for assistance.

People who are experiencing personal hardship due to TC Debbie should download and use the Self-recovery app, go to www.qld.gov.au/communityrecovery  or contact the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 or for further information

Media contact: Susan McGrady (Premier’s office) 0488 966 667