Toowoomba businesses’ solidarity with Townsville

THE Toowoomba business community sends its heartfelt thoughts to the business community of Townsville, northern and central western Queensland which is now faced with the enormous clean-up task as floodwaters slowly recede and the magnitude of damage becomes apparent.

Record flooding has taken a serious toll on farmers and their livestock, SMEs, families and whole communities, tragically including the loss of lives.

The full extent and impact of this flood event will be felt for years to come as affected communities and businesses work to rebuild as best they can.

It will be the emotional toll that is most devastating for many.

Having been hit by flash flooding in January 2011, the Toowoomba business community can relate to the devastation, despair and financial implications being felt by the Townsville community.

Toowoomba businesses remember also, the outpouring of support and assistance that came forward in their hour of need in 2011 and many businesses have been asking how they can help their Townsville counterparts.

Emergency Services are responding to the Townsville floods with many Toowoomba volunteers and personnel currently working across the flood ravaged region.

Other Toowoomba-ites are choosing to contribute to the Queensland Flood Appeal which supports key organisations which are helping on the ground including The Australian Red Cross Society, UnitingCare, Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland.

BlazeAid is coordinating bases in north west Queensland and calling for volunteers, materials and equipment while Sisters of the North has set up a Gofundme page and the QCWA Public Rural Crisis Fund is also helping.

In speaking with the Townsville Chamber of Commerce, many North Queensland locals are turning to GIVIT for emergency assistance.

Money and goods can be donated to Queenslanders affected by this flood disaster through www.givit.org.au.

It is in times like these that we again recognise the invaluable service provided by first responders, emergency services and associated community volunteers and thank them for what they do for our communities.

If your business would like to help those affected by this devastating flood event and support the business communities of northern and central western Queensland, consider donating to one of these wonderful organisations.

If you need further information, contact the Toowoomba chamber.