Premier’s Flood Appeal hits $5.56 million

The Premier’s North and North-West Flood Appeal has hit $5.71 million – bolstered by $500,000 from the Commonwealth Government and next week it is expected to rise again from the simultaneous Sydney-Melbourne bushfire concerts.

Fifty per cent of the profits from the Sydney concert (14/3/09) will be directed to the Premier’s Flood Appeal.

Premier Anna Bligh thanked the Commonwealth for responding, and again thanked the general public, industry and the up-coming concert performers and concert-goers for their support for flood-affected north and north-west Queenslanders.

“It has been incredibly hard for Victorian fire victims and for those in the north and North West, but it is heartening knowing fellow Queenslanders, Aussies and our PNG neighbours are digging deep to help them.”

The State Government launched the Appeal on February 6 with $500,000. Major donors so far include: the PNG Government $1 million, Rio Tinto $250,000, Woolworths $150,000, Queensland Gas Company and Newcastle Region Natural Disaster Relief Fund Trust, $100,000.

Others include; Felix resources (staff and company) $71,750, CSR Limited $50,000, Bank of Queensland $50,000, Adventist Development and Relief Agency Trust $30,000, Caltex, Qeensland Hotel Association, AWB Ltd $25,000, Sunshine Coast regional Council $20,000, Data #3 $11250, and Eric Donald Aldridge, the Australian Credit Union and Mr I. and Mr M. Howard-Smith each donated $10,000.

As at Wednesday (11-3) there have been 19,025 donors.

“No donation – whether it be $20 or $2 – is too small. Every dollar will be directed toward helping victims.

“You can donate to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal Fund at any of the big banks including the Commonwealth, Westpac, NAB, ANZ, Suncorp Metway and the Bank of Queensland.

Cheques can be made out to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal Fund.

Or donors can contact the Smart Services Queensland Call Centre on 1800 173 349 with their credit card details. This line will be open 24 hours a day.

The Appeal will remain open for at least another 10 weeks. All donations are tax deductible and distribution of the funds will be undertaken by the Red Cross.

Media: Premier’s Office 3224 4500