After Cyclone Debbie hit in March, thousands of people in New South Wales and Queensland are facing an uncertain future. The Tweed region was severely impacted and the Council is now running an appeal to encourage support from across the region and around the country.
The floods were the worst in the region’s recorded history; six people lost their lives and thousands of homes and businesses have been affected.
The Mayor Appeal Fund was launched in early April and aims to provide an opportunity for members of the public and the business community to support local families and recovery initiatives.
Mayor Katie Milne said the community is still in shock after the loss of lives across the region.
“Our deepest condolences as a Council and a community go out to the families and friends of those lost in this terrible tragedy,” she said.
“It’s just unbelievable to see the effects of the floods on virtually our whole community and people spent long periods of time out there in isolated areas with roads and bridges washed away.
“Raging waters reached way over head height in many areas. There are huge piles of damaged goods lining the streets and exhausted people cleaning out homes and businesses thick with mud.
“There has been a fantastic community spirit shown with volunteers putting on BBQs, supplying water and hosing down streets. Knowing they’re not alone has made a huge difference to those affected.
“The Tweed is a wonderful and diverse community but it’s not an affluent one, and given the scale of the devastation we desperately need help to get back on our feet.
“The support and bravery of this community has been extraordinary. It would make all the difference if the wider community got behind our recovery efforts with financial support to help Tweed residents who’ve suffered through this epic disaster.”
The Mayoral Flood Appeal 2017 will support Tweed Shire individuals, households and businesses that have been impacted.
Priority will be given to people and businesses who have limited access or options to insurance claims, funding or grants and due to this are more likely to slip through the gaps.
100 per cent of the funds received to the Tweed Mayoral Flood Appeal will be distributed to eligible residents and businesses. There are no administration fees associated with the appeal.
Donations are tax deductible and contributors are encouraged to retain a record of their transaction for tax purposes.
If you would like to donate, do so via:
Account Name: Tweed Shire Council – Mayor Appeal Fund
BSB: 062-580 Account Number: 10370281
