How To Help Communities Affected By Flash Flooding In Australia Right Now

Channel your energy into positive action.

To describe the collective energy right now as “heavy” would be like calling Covid-19 a sniffle. Just as we begin to tentatively take off our masks and gulp those first few breaths of maskless, non-lockdowned air, more tragedies unfold around us. A war is unfolding in Ukraine, protests in New Zealand ended in violence, and now on home ground flash flooding in Queensland and NSW is devastating communities. It’s a grim reminder that climate change is a real (and terrifying) reality. 

Social media offers no reprieve either, with an endless loop of devastating images each as unfathomable as the last. It’s big, it’s heavy, and whether you are a part of these communities, have family or friends who are there, or are watching it unfold through the media and social media, it’s easy to feel burdened, overwhelmed and helpless. But channelling that energy into action is a way to help work your way out of despair, give back to the community and will also help release feel-good endorphins (which in turn will aid your mental health). If the bushfires of 2019/20 showed us anything, it was that Australians are great at rallying for our communities, and that sense of community is what makes us feel connected during these times. 

When researching this article, I spoke to people in the areas that have been living through this nightmare. While the most urgent supply needs change daily, and they have been humbled by the outpouring of support, there was one underlying theme: rescue and evacuation is just the beginning. These communities will need our support for months to come as they rebuild their lives again from scratch. Helping doesn’t have to mean right now; it will be just as needed (if not more) in the aftermath when the media hype dies down and all that is left is the clean up. 

So, here are some of the ways you can help those whose lives have—and will continue to be—affected by the flash flooding.

Donate

Whether it’s money, goods or your time, every bit counts.

GIVIT offers relief in the form of practical items like fuel (one of the most needed resources right now), grocery and pharmacy vouchers, plus white goods and other household necessities itemised by location. You can choose whether to give the item (send yourself if you have it) or fund the amount needed. You can also donate directly. At the time of publishing, 78,846 items were needed for those affected by the flooding. 

Red Cross is always one of the first charities on the ground, and donating helps with evacuation and outreach service as well as support the communities through recovery.

SES (State Emergency Services) Queensland and NSW is a community-based, and not-for-profit, staffed by everyday heroes wanting to make a difference. Here, your money helps those volunteers access resources, equipment and training needed to do their job on the ground. 

Baby Gives Back is delivering emergency relief essentials to babies and their families during this time (can you even imagine being stranded in flood water with an infant during this time?). Their most needed items are consumables (nappies, face washers, formula, wipes etc.). Check out their Instagram for updated lists of what is urgently needed.

Rural Fire Services in New South Wales and Queensland need no introduction. Staffed by volunteers, donating helps provide necessary equipment and provisions to this vital service that are on the ground daily. 

Koori Mail, the national, 100% Aboriginal-owned Indigenous newspaper has set up a Go Fund Me page for Bundjalung rural and isolated communities impacted by these devastating events. 

Look Local

Many local community businesses and groups are reaching out to social media for assistance and donations. We’d love to feature them all (we wish) but you can join local Facebook groups (like this one for the Lismore community) to find ways to help or volunteer locally if you’re in the area to find ways to help local, or follow local area businesses on Instagram for updates and drop off donation centres in the area. 

Do-Good Brands

These are just some of the brands rallying for those whose lives have been turned upside down. If you know someone who needs the support or just want to support a brand that supports the community here’s a few places to start: 

Imbibe the Byron-based wellness brand, was one of the first to spring to action for their community, collecting donations, food and supplies to take out to affected families. Follow their Instagram stories for updates on how you can help.

This is Incense, the beautiful luxe incense brand have released a presale of their limited edition collaboration with Peppa Hart to raise $20,000 for the local communities hit by the flooding. All profits from the sales will be donated to GIVIT. 

Mukti Organics is offering personal care packs to anyone affected by the floods, just message them via Instagram.

In The Roundhouse, purveyors of uber-chic tableware are donating dinner plates from their range to those who have lost their belongings in the floods. If you or someone you know has been affected, email the team at admin@intheround.house

Lovebyt, the natural oral care brand, is matching each purchase made through their site with the same product donated to the Newrybar Community Hall for all the residents in the flood affected areas.

Basics By B, the range created by Bonnie Gilles (@Ozbeautyexpert) is donating all profits from sales made this weekend to the Red Cross Flood Appeal. 

Help Yourself

That feeling of helplessness can sometimes be so big that it takes over. We know, because we feel it too. During these times it’s vital to look after your own mental health so you can manage the weight of what’s unfolding. We loved this advice that New York psychotherapist and author Esther Perel posted on her Instagram recently with actionable points that don’t feel too overwhelming, and organisations like Beyond Blue are also here to help during these times, and always.

If You Or Someone You Know Has Been Affected…

The Federal Government is offering financial assistance for those who have been affected by the flooding. Information and claims can be made through Services Australia.

As always, Lifeline remains one of the country’s best ways to access mental health support. If you or someone you love is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. A reminder that young people aged 5 to 25 years can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.

March 04, 2022

How To Help Communities Affected By Flash Flooding In Australia Right Now

Channel your energy into positive action.

To describe the collective energy right now as “heavy” would be like calling Covid-19 a sniffle. Just as we begin to tentatively take off our masks and gulp those first few breaths of maskless, non-lockdowned air, more tragedies unfold around us. A war is unfolding in Ukraine, protests in New Zealand ended in violence, and now on home ground flash flooding in Queensland and NSW is devastating communities. It’s a grim reminder that climate change is a real (and terrifying) reality. 

Social media offers no reprieve either, with an endless loop of devastating images each as unfathomable as the last. It’s big, it’s heavy, and whether you are a part of these communities, have family or friends who are there, or are watching it unfold through the media and social media, it’s easy to feel burdened, overwhelmed and helpless. But channelling that energy into action is a way to help work your way out of despair, give back to the community and will also help release feel-good endorphins (which in turn will aid your mental health). If the bushfires of 2019/20 showed us anything, it was that Australians are great at rallying for our communities, and that sense of community is what makes us feel connected during these times. 

When researching this article, I spoke to people in the areas that have been living through this nightmare. While the most urgent supply needs change daily, and they have been humbled by the outpouring of support, there was one underlying theme: rescue and evacuation is just the beginning. These communities will need our support for months to come as they rebuild their lives again from scratch. Helping doesn’t have to mean right now; it will be just as needed (if not more) in the aftermath when the media hype dies down and all that is left is the clean up. 

So, here are some of the ways you can help those whose lives have—and will continue to be—affected by the flash flooding.

Image: St Agni

Donate

Whether it’s money, goods or your time, every bit counts.

GIVIT offers relief in the form of practical items like fuel (one of the most needed resources right now), grocery and pharmacy vouchers, plus white goods and other household necessities itemised by location. You can choose whether to give the item (send yourself if you have it) or fund the amount needed. You can also donate directly. At the time of publishing, 78,846 items were needed for those affected by the flooding. 

Red Cross is always one of the first charities on the ground, and donating helps with evacuation and outreach service as well as support the communities through recovery.

SES (State Emergency Services) Queensland and NSW is a community-based, and not-for-profit, staffed by everyday heroes wanting to make a difference. Here, your money helps those volunteers access resources, equipment and training needed to do their job on the ground. 

Baby Gives Back is delivering emergency relief essentials to babies and their families during this time (can you even imagine being stranded in flood water with an infant during this time?). Their most needed items are consumables (nappies, face washers, formula, wipes etc.). Check out their Instagram for updated lists of what is urgently needed.

Rural Fire Services in New South Wales and Queensland need no introduction. Staffed by volunteers, donating helps provide necessary equipment and provisions to this vital service that are on the ground daily. 

Koori Mail, the national, 100% Aboriginal-owned Indigenous newspaper has set up a Go Fund Me page for Bundjalung rural and isolated communities impacted by these devastating events. 

Look Local

Many local community businesses and groups are reaching out to social media for assistance and donations. We’d love to feature them all (we wish) but you can join local Facebook groups (like this one for the Lismore community) to find ways to help or volunteer locally if you’re in the area to find ways to help local, or follow local area businesses on Instagram for updates and drop off donation centres in the area. 

Do-Good Brands

These are just some of the brands rallying for those whose lives have been turned upside down. If you know someone who needs the support or just want to support a brand that supports the community here’s a few places to start: 

Imbibe the Byron-based wellness brand, was one of the first to spring to action for their community, collecting donations, food and supplies to take out to affected families. Follow their Instagram stories for updates on how you can help.

This is Incense, the beautiful luxe incense brand have released a presale of their limited edition collaboration with Peppa Hart to raise $20,000 for the local communities hit by the flooding. All profits from the sales will be donated to GIVIT. 

Mukti Organics is offering personal care packs to anyone affected by the floods, just message them via Instagram.

In The Roundhouse, purveyors of uber-chic tableware are donating dinner plates from their range to those who have lost their belongings in the floods. If you or someone you know has been affected, email the team at admin@intheround.house

Lovebyt, the natural oral care brand, is matching each purchase made through their site with the same product donated to the Newrybar Community Hall for all the residents in the flood affected areas.

Basics By B, the range created by Bonnie Gilles (@Ozbeautyexpert) is donating all profits from sales made this weekend to the Red Cross Flood Appeal. 

Help Yourself

That feeling of helplessness can sometimes be so big that it takes over. We know, because we feel it too. During these times it’s vital to look after your own mental health so you can manage the weight of what’s unfolding. We loved this advice that New York psychotherapist and author Esther Perel posted on her Instagram recently with actionable points that don’t feel too overwhelming, and organisations like Beyond Blue are also here to help during these times, and always.

If You Or Someone You Know Has Been Affected…

The Federal Government is offering financial assistance for those who have been affected by the flooding. Information and claims can be made through Services Australia.

As always, Lifeline remains one of the country’s best ways to access mental health support. If you or someone you love is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. A reminder that young people aged 5 to 25 years can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.

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