COMMUNITY NEWS
The enormity of the restoration and rebuilding which will be needed in flood ravaged regions of Australia seems almost overwhelming, but already we are seeing the indomitable resilient spirit of Australians shining through. Media reports and images repeatedly use the phrase’ the kindness of strangers’ when describing the outpouring of generosity from all over the country.
For my part, I liken it more to an extended family which immediately rallies to help when one of its number is in trouble. We are all one nation and are rallying to assist and encourage our national family.
The need will go on not just for weeks, but for months. With Queensland the current focus of clean-up activities, a website has been established for anyone who feels they may be able to volunteer to help. Maybe you have holidays coming up in a few weeks’ time, or maybe you are a tradesperson who can offer a few days work. If you wish to volunteer in any way, I suggest you visit the official website
www.emergencyvolunteering.com.au
No doubt there will be many fund-raising activities launched over coming months to raise much needed funds to help and I know the people of the Berowra electorate will react with their usual generosity. Unfortunately I would offer a word of warning here and suggest you only support events and activities for which you have checked the bona fides. It is an unfortunate truth that there is a minority amongst us who would seek to profit through scams.
On a happier note, I am pleased to report the success of my call prior to Christmas for locals to help me send gifts to our Defence Force troops based overseas. As a result of your generosity, my office packaged over 30 parcels which I took to Australia Post for despatch to Afghanistan, the Middle East, the Solomon Islands and East Timor. I am aware that many more parcels were taken directly to post offices by local church groups and individuals. Thank you to everyone who participated.
The enormity of the restoration and rebuilding which will be needed in flood ravaged regions of Australia seems almost overwhelming, but already we are seeing the indomitable resilient spirit of Australians shining through. Media reports and images repeatedly use the phrase’ the kindness of strangers’ when describing the outpouring of generosity from all over the country.
For my part, I liken it more to an extended family which immediately rallies to help when one of its number is in trouble. We are all one nation and are rallying to assist and encourage our national family.
The need will go on not just for weeks, but for months. With Queensland the current focus of clean-up activities, a website has been established for anyone who feels they may be able to volunteer to help. Maybe you have holidays coming up in a few weeks’ time, or maybe you are a tradesperson who can offer a few days work. If you wish to volunteer in any way, I suggest you visit the official website
www.emergencyvolunteering.com.au
No doubt there will be many fund-raising activities launched over coming months to raise much needed funds to help and I know the people of the Berowra electorate will react with their usual generosity. Unfortunately I would offer a word of warning here and suggest you only support events and activities for which you have checked the bona fides. It is an unfortunate truth that there is a minority amongst us who would seek to profit through scams.
On a happier note, I am pleased to report the success of my call prior to Christmas for locals to help me send gifts to our Defence Force troops based overseas. As a result of your generosity, my office packaged over 30 parcels which I took to Australia Post for despatch to Afghanistan, the Middle East, the Solomon Islands and East Timor. I am aware that many more parcels were taken directly to post offices by local church groups and individuals. Thank you to everyone who participated.