The Evacuation Centre at the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct has closed after supporting displaced residents during the peak of flooding across the region this week.
Throughout the emergency response, dedicated staff and volunteers worked around the clock to ensure evacuees had access to food, information and essential support services.
Australian Red Cross stepped in to run the evacuation centre in partnership with Bundaberg Regional Council.
The centre was supported by several organisations including the Salvation Army, who assisted with food services and Community Recovery teams offering guidance and assistance to residents impacted by the flooding.
Local Disaster Management Group Chair Mayor Helen Blackburn extended her sincere thanks to the many individuals and organisations who assisted during the operation.
She said the coordinated community effort demonstrated the strength and compassion of the region during challenging circumstances.
“We would like to sincerely thank the hardworking volunteers and staff who stepped forward to help our community during this difficult time,” she said.
“The Evacuation Centre provided a safe place for displaced residents when they needed it most and that was only possible thanks to the dedication and generosity of everyone involved.”
Residents can seek information, personal hardship financial assistance and emotional and other practical support from the Community Recovery teams at the Community Recovery Hub at the Bundaberg TAFE at 118 Walker Street or a Pop Up Recovery Hub at Bundaberg Neighbourhood Centre at 111 Targo Street. People can also apply for personal hardship assistance by calling the Community Recovery Hotline on Call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 or by applying online at www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp.
The Community Recovery Lifeline Hotline also provides a dedicated disaster counselling support line to assist disaster affected people and communities as well as a Farmer to Farmer support. Call 1800 116 671 (8 am to 8 pm).
While floodwater is receding, residents are reminded safety and health risks remain in flood impacted areas and are being urged to prioritise their safety and wellbeing during flood recovery.
To help navigate the days and weeks ahead, a suite of recovery resources is now available, including health advice, personal hardship assistance, clean up information and other essential support services.
Find out more information here.
More news: Disaster hardship assistance for Bundaberg, Douglas and Banana
I was evacuated to the Previnct. I would like to thank all those who helped. They were fantastic. My dog who is diabetic and needs daily insulin well I was allowed to keep the insulin in the fridge at the centre. Thank you all very very much.