Whoever created the world, created one of the most beautiful countries in the world - Australia. But beauty comes at a price and the price we pay is a land parched by drought then devastated by floods that descend upon townships faster than many outside this Southern Land, can possibly imagine.We have learned to live and cope with the harshness of Mother Nature, a fact demonstrated by Queenslanders during the recent merciless floods. The spirit, determination, courage and strong sense of community sprit shown by Queenslanders has been an inspiration to us all.
Too often we talk glibly about heroes. Score a century in a cricket match and get well paid for doing so, and you are a hero - at least according to the media. Yes, sporting, artistic and academic achievement should be celebrated - but they are hardly acts of heroism.
A true act of heroism is someone seeing their home swept away, then the next day picking up a chainsaw to help their neighbor - even though their heart is still hurting from their own loss. Then there are those who check on others they may not even know, seeing if they want a helping hand. You can add to that families that have lost everything but refuse to be overcome by despondency - determined to carry on and start all over again - even if they are not sure how.
Heroes are those men and women in the police, emergency services, ambulance services, fire services, volunteer rescuers and all those who put the welfare and safety of others above themselves. We have seen terrific acts of bravery, kindness and good humor from all those services and volunteers involved in rescue and recovery efforts.
Queensland - we pray for you.
Queensland - we salute you.
The following is taken from the Queensland Government website
The Queensland Government has launched an appeal to help fellow Queenslanders affected by the recent floods. Many communities have been devastated. Some families have lost everything. You can help make a difference by donating to the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal.
At this time, the Queensland Government is inviting financial donations only. Unfortunately this appeal cannot accept donations of goods or services.
Donate online
Make a donation to the Premier’s Disaster relief appeal using a secure payment form.
Donate by phone
0600 – 2300 7 days on 1800 219 028
Donate by internet bankingThe account details for donations are:
Account Name: Premiers Disaster Relief Appeal
BSB: 064 013
Account number: 1000 6800
SWIFT code for international donations: CTBAAU2S
Once your transaction is complete, you should record the receipt number for your transaction. If you do not receive a receipt number, contact your financial institution.
If you would like a receipt for tax purposes, please forward a request, with proof of donation to:
Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal
C/O Department of the Premier and Cabinet
PO Box 15185
City East QLD 4002
International donations
The account details international for donations are:
Account Name: Premiers Disaster Relief Appeal
BSB: 064 013
Account number: 1000 6800
SWIFT code: CTBAAU2S
Donate by mail
You can post a cheque donation – please do not send cash.
Cheques should be made payable to:
The Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal
ABN: 69 689 161 916
Cheques should be posted to:
Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal
C/O Department of the Premier and Cabinet
PO Box 15185
City East QLD 4002
Donate in person
Donations can be made at:
- Commonwealth Bank
- NAB
- Westpac
- ANZ
- BOQ
- Suncorp
- St.George Bank
- Bank SA (Bank of South Australia)
- Australian Central Credit Union
- Savings & Loans Credit Union
- Bank West
- Australian Central Credit Union
- Savings & Loans Credit Union
- Coles supermarkets.
Queensland disaster management services
Find your local ABC radio frequency
Bureau of Meteorology (BOM)
Flood Maps Service interuptions
Power outages: Ergon Energy | Energex (South East Queensland)
Traffic and travel information: 131940.qld.gov.au | RACQ road conditions report
Twitter and Facebook updates
Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal Queensland Police Service
@consultqld (Queensland Government) @QPSmedia (Queensland Police) @businessqldgov (Queensland Business support)
Photo: Queensland Government
Copyright Mike Hitchen Online, Lane Cove, NSW, Australia. All rights reserved
