News

The Salvation has released a progress report on its recovery work in Townsville, 18 months on from the monsoonal flooding that devastated parts of the city.

The report details The Salvation Army's initial Emergency Services response, followed by disaster recovery at community recovery hubs. The monsoon event resulted in 3,000 homes being damaged, with nearly 1,000 uninhabitable.

Long-term recovery work began in May 2019 with the appointment of a recovery support worker, whose contract has just been extended until mid-2021 to continue case-work support in conjunction with the State Government and the community rebuild project, “Making a House a Home Again” (formerly called “Operation Townsville Assist”.)

The initial grant funding for the “Making a House a Home Again” project ended on 30 September 2020, with all the grant funding committed and expended for the project. However, The Salvation Army received additional generous support from corporate and philanthropic donations, which allowed it to extend the project until 30 June 2021. 

The report details the story of Bailey* (name changed) whose unit was flooded and uninhabitable as a result. Lack of insurance and other issues caused severe financial hardship for Bailey and she has been forced to move eight times just this year alone. The community rebuild project is continuing to repair her unit, and Bailey hopes she can move home by the end of this year.

Throughout this time The Salvation Army’s recovery support worker, Tamara Forde has continued to support Bailey with referrals for psychosocial support, advocacy with a legal team, advice on the insurance claim and assistance with the replacement of linen and kitchen appliances.

“I would like to thank the project for your support, I had no idea how to go forward with getting work done. I am so appreciative,” Bailey said.