Celebration to thank the heroes of Cyclone Larry

The Queensland Government will host a free family barbecue in Innisfail this Sunday (October 29) to say thank you to the people who helped the Far North region in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Larry.

Emergency Services Minister Pat Purcell said thousands of people from right across the State assisted the relief effort in the days, weeks and months after the cyclone caused such devastation.

To help recognise their magnificent contribution a tribute will be held in a traditional Australian way with a barbecue and family fun day.

All Cyclone Larry workers and volunteers are invited to attend.

“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 seven 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 and the Department of Communities; Energex, Ergon and Powerlink; the Red Cross; Salvation Army; Lifeline; Centrelink, and many more.

The Cyclone Larry Thank You barbecue will be held at the Innisfail Showgrounds, Pease Park, Palmerston Drive, Innisfail on Sunday, 29 October, from 11.30am to 3pm. Formal proceedings start at 12.15pm.

The event will include a program of free entertainment and activities for children, a free BBQ and a formal presentation recognising and thanking those involved in the relief effort. A similar event was held recently in Brisbane.

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

Media contacts: Tim Shipstone 07 3247 8194, 0409 620 571;
Daniel Landon 07 3247 8992, 0437 837 976.