More than 500 people have been able to access emergency food relief across Brisbane’s northern suburbs, after blackouts emptied fridges and freezers and damage from Tropical Cyclone Alfred prevented people from returning to work.
The food relief was organised by the volunteer team from Community Independent Ellie Smith, in partnership with local businesses and community groups.
The team set up free community BBQs in Strathpine and Bray Park on the weekend and hired a mobile freezer for frozen food to help families restock after the cyclone.
More than 500 people received a meal over the weekend as well as food hampers to take home.
Community Independent for Dickson Ellie Smith said:
“It was heartwarming to see so many people come along to share a meal, connect with their neighbours, and access much-needed support.
“Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and community groups, we were able to provide food relief to more than 500 people.
“The past week has once again shown the incredible strength and generosity of our community.
“The blackouts and damage from the cyclone has really knocked people about, and so we’re glad we could provide some help to make life a little bit easier.”
Sensing the demand for food in the community after the Cyclone swept through, Paul Slater from Northwest Community Group Inc quickly swung into action looking for sources of food and ways to store and distribute it.
He contacted Tim the store manager at Coles in Ferny Grove, who quickly organised access to much of the frozen food, as soon as the store lost power and before its freezer rooms defrosted.
Tanya from Tan’s Cafe and Takeaway and Brisbane Bunya Lions Club quickly joined the party and helped safely store the food.
Paul Slater said it was amazing that the partnership of people could come together so quickly across the community to help people when it mattered most.
“I ended up with a large amount of food that I needed to get out there,” Paul said.
“We were fortunate enough to have the Ellie Smith team reach out to me and say that they wanted to re-direct their volunteers into something to help the community.
“We are just so grateful that we could all work so well together to connect with the community and help people who had lost all their food.”
While much of the cyclone recovery work is complete, many households and businesses may still be facing financial stress.
Ellie Smith said:
“If you have been impacted, I encourage you to apply for financial support through the Queensland government and to reach out to your insurance provider, bank, energy provider, or local council for assistance with bills and rates.
“People can also go to your closest Community Recovery Hub if you need further help.”
Media Contact: 0407 264 727 or [email protected]
