Goodna Rugby League Football Club is getting a total post-flood makeover, thanks to volunteer tradesmen and apprentices like (from left) Scott Borghardt, Nick Carston, Ivan Takito and Michael Nowlan from Hutchinson Builders.
The post-flood bounce back is well under way at the Goodna Rugby League Football Club on Brisbane's south-western outskirts.
Through Operation Bounceback – a partnership between the Queensland Government and Channel 7's Sunrise program – clubs like Goodna RLFC are actively rebuilding, helped by volunteer tradies and generous businesses.
It was a body blow to the Goodna area when its league club went under water. Making matters worse, "90 per cent of our stalwarts also had their homes flooded," according to secretary Steve Behnke.
"Through the flooding we lost $50,000 of gear and equipment and suffered $100,000 damage to the clubhouse," he says.
"Operation Bounceback has been a God-send. A month after the flood we had about 20 workers on site, including 12 students from Gold Coast high schools doing practical work as part of their TAFE studies.
"Construction firm Hutchinson Builders brought in apprentice tradesmen for short-term help and donated building equipment. We've also had volunteer tradies dropping in from all over – one even came from Darwin."
Steve adds that local companies have also donated building materials such as paint, timber and gyprock, as well as furniture.
By early March, more than 600 volunteer tradesmen had registered with Operation Bounceback to lend a hand at rebuilding enterprises all over Queensland.
The state government has provided increased emergency funding of up to $72,500 to enable sport and recreation clubs to replace damaged equipment and replace or repair their facilities.
The Department of Communities has also set up an advice line - 1800 173 349 – to help clubs access money, skills and professional guidance on how they can get back up and running.
For more information on Operation Bounceback visit the website or call the Department of Public Works on 3404 8359.
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