Volunteer flood bowls over expert

Cyclone Yasi wreaked havoc at Cardwell Beach and the Beachcomber Coconut Caravan Village didn’t escape lightly. Photo: Hugh O’Brien.

Even a volunteering "industry professional" like Volunteering Queensland's Julie Molloy is bowled over by Queenslanders' big-hearted response to the state's recent disasters.

"It was truly an insightful and eye-opening experience," the campaign manager says of the army of volunteers that came to the fore after the worst floods in 50 years and Cyclone Yasi.

"Nobody could have predicted the amount of people coming together to help others in need.

"In times of natural disaster, the special character and spirit of Queenslanders and Australians really shines through, especially their work ethic and sense of humour."

Volunteering Queensland is the peak body for volunteers across the state. Funded in part by the Queensland Government, the organisation works to encourage, recognise, promote and advocate for voluntary participation to benefit both the individual and the community.

Julie urges community members who wish to lend a hand during times of natural disasters to register with Community Response to Extreme Weather (CREW) service.

"The CREW program matches volunteers with disaster response agencies such as Australia Red Cross, St Vincent de Paul, Lifeline and many others, as well as local councils and other government agencies," says Julie.

"CREW registers people who have expressed an interest in emergency volunteering for natural disasters, including the recent floods and Cyclone Yasi. Responding to actual needs as they arise on the ground is a complex process and agencies need time to coordinate an effective response that incorporates untrained or semi-trained volunteers.

"Your best chance to volunteer during an emergency is to pre-register with CREW and receive some training from our various partner agencies.

"Recovery after a natural disaster is a long process. Agencies rely on the long term support from volunteers who may perform various roles ranging from basic clean up to care, comfort and personal support to affected communities."

Julie says people with a wide range of skill sets came forward to offer a helping hand after the recent devastation.

"We had people who could undertake administrative work as well as those with construction skills.

"The amount of people wanting to help one way or another was awe inspiring, particularly when some people who had lost everything still wanted to lend a hand to others.

"Extraordinary assistance was also offered by businesses across Australia, including help to set up external phone centres in Tasmania, New South Wales and Victoria to help field calls from volunteers."

To join the CREW visit the special website or call 1800 994 100.