When several suburbs of Ipswich were inundated with flood water there was an excellent response from the community and local authorities. But as months passed and the clean-up was completed life did not return to normal for the many victims that had either lost their homes or suffered significant damage. Repairing of homes was an ongoing issue, and for those who had been renting, or who had no insurance, finding a new place to live and replacing lost furniture,  household items and clothes was a significant ongoing challenge.

 

In addition to helping with the initial response and clean up, Rotary worked to seek out and assist those who remained most in need. Drawing on funds raised by the clubs and through Rotary disaster grants, the clubs of Greater Springfield and Ipswich City visiting many flood victims and those most in need were given assistance in replacing lost fridges, washing machines, and other key household essentials.

 

As Rowarn Luder of Ipswich City Rotary observed at the time “Many flood victims remain unable to return to their homes. Repairs are taking a long, long time, and those that were without insurance are even worse off”. “We have visited people sleeping in friends’ garages, sleeping on friends’ couches, or living in their homes with no fridges, washing machines and limited furniture and bedding”. “Basically, these people lost everything in the floods and are having to start from scratch to rebuild their lives.”

Paul Roger, who at that time was President of Greater Springfield Rotary noted that Rotary's approach was a recovery project is focusing on identifying those most in need and helping them with white goods (fridges/washing machines) purchased from Rotary funding and getting them Rotary debit cards and GIVIT vouchers for purchasing bedding and other essential supplies. Rotary visited every potential recipient and did appropriate due diligence to ensure those in need received what they most needed.  At the time of the 2022 project it was noted that the people that received help from Rotary were extremely grateful, not only for what they received, but because Rotary did not forget them and spent time visiting and listening to them to understand their needs”. Sometimes the chat was more important than the aid.

This project was a great example of the 'IMPACT' Rotary can have when working together with the authorities, partner agencies, and the community, in support of those in need.  An excellent working relationship was developed with Ipswich City Council and GIVIT, and all the flood victims identified and assisted by Rotary were also referred to the council for additional support services.

The photo below shows a happy recipients of white goods. Permission for the photo to be taken and used in Rotary articles was obtained.

 

Rotary continues to contribute to recovery efforts across Queensland after significant floor in the North and in the West over the past year - 2024-2025.

 

 

    2022. Thank you, Rotary. ‘Living in a garage,

     but now I have a fridge for when I find a new home’. 😊