BRISBANE THANKS CYCLONE LARRY VOLUNTEERS AND WORKERS

The Beattie Government will host a free barbecue for Brisbane residents this Sunday (September 17) to recognise Cyclone Larry workers and volunteers.

Emergency Services Minister Pat Purcell said the barbecue, to be held at Roma Street Parklands, would pay tribute to those who assisted in the relief effort.

“The devastation of Cyclone Larry brought about a remarkable showing of community spirit,” Mr Purcell said.

“Although there is still a way to go, the outstanding efforts of an estimated 5000 volunteers and workers helped affected communities find their feet during the difficult weeks after Larry.

“The significant work that has been done in the last six months would not have been possible without workers and volunteers from all over the State, including: the State Emergency Service; Australian Defence Force; Queensland Government agencies such as the Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, Emergency Management Queensland, Queensland Police Service, the Department of Communities; Energex, Ergon and Powerlink; the Red Cross; Salvation Army; Lifeline; and Centrelink.

Mr Purcell said the contributions of workers and volunteers would be celebrated and recognised in the true Aussie way.

“This weekend’s barbecue will be a family-affair, with free entertainment and children’s activities. It is Brisbane’s opportunity to say thank you to those who played a vital role in the recovery of Cyclone Larry,” he said.

The Cyclone Larry Thank You barbecue will be held on the Celebration Lawn, Roma Street Parkland on Sunday, 17 September from 11.30am to 3pm (formal proceedings to start at 11.45am).

A similar function will be held at the Innisfail Showgrounds on 29 October.

For more information, visit www.qld.gov.au/cyclonerelief or call 07 3405 5215.

Media contacts: Daniel Landon 07 3247 8194, 0437 837 976;
Corinne Mulholland 07 3247 8992, 0438 758 532.