Minister praises staff efforts

Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr has praised staff from the Wide Bay Burnett region who have helped Queenslanders recover from the flooding disaster.

“There are people doing it tough in the wake of the floods in Central and North Queensland and I know they would join me in thanking you for helping them get back on their feet,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“It’s going to be a long recovery program but more than 20 local staff have helped make a real difference, travelling to Emerald, Charleville and Mackay,” she said.

They worked in Recovery Centres where they provided emergency funds and information to victims. They joined Outreach Teams to assist people unable to travel, as well as provided central administrative roles.

Cate Akaveka, a Community Support Officer with the Department of Communities at Hervey Bay, described her time working from Charleville as rewarding.

“Community recovery duty can be very draining, both physically and emotionally, but it is a time when being a public servant has a special meaning,” Ms Akaveka said.

Department of Communities Regional Executive Director for Wide Bay Burnett Carol Weekes, who also chairs the local Disaster District Community Recovery Committee, said the department was the lead agency for community recovery.

“When major events occur, departmental staff from the Wide Bay Burnett and right across the State pitch in to assist,” Ms Weekes said.

“While it’s important we assist and support other regions in times of need, the added benefit is our volunteers bring back valuable knowledge and experience, should our region ever be hit by a major disaster,” she said.

Wide Bay Burnett staff also supported community recovery efforts following Cyclone Larry in 2006 and closer to home, after the Gayndah storm damage in 2007.

Additional local staff remain on stand-by, should they be required to provide further assistance in flood affected areas.

Media contact: Minister’s Office 3224 4280