27/12/2023
MUD ARMY NOTICE
Hi everyone, we just wanted to share an update on Mud Army and some information we have collated on the ground today that may be of assistance, and help you direct your needs to the right agencies.
As it stands, Mud Army have collectively made the decision to not recommence the clean up group to the scale it was pre Christmas. We are very aware, and mindful that these communities still require assistance in some form, however, there are now agencies (Community Recovery QLD, Red Cross, QLD Health, Suncorp, Cairns Regional Council, and possibly others) that are now located within the community hubs In Holloways, Machans and Trinity Beach that can assist at a higher level, with more resources and trained team members.
The Community hubs are based at:
Machans Beach State School
61 Machan Street, Machans Beach
Open: 9am to 4pm daily
Supplies available at Machans Beach Community Hall on Tucker Road
Trinity Bay Sports Hall (Trinity Bay State High School)
Eureka Street, Manunda
Open: 9am to 4pm daily
Holloways Beach Sporting Complex
84-100 Wistaria Street, Cairns
Open: 9am to 4pm daily.
However, saying that, there is also now a co-ordination hub at Holloways Beach which is ran by volunteers (some that have moved across from Mud Army), and a couple of church groups. The current objective of this group is to continue to assist with people that require clean up, and the church groups will also be carrying out door to door check ins and reporting back to the hub where assistance is required. (Including passing information on to the agencies where they see opportunity). If you would like to volunteer, please make your way to the Holloways AFL Club on Wisteria Road. Please go filled with patience, some of these local volunteers have not stopped since the event last Sunday and also PPE.
Also, if you are attending as a volunteer and not local, please be mindful where you park. Allowing the closer park spots for the locals trying to access help/assistance.
The [email protected] email address will continue to be monitored, however I will respond to emails slightly different. If you are requesting assistance in clean up, I will pass details on to the co-ordinated hub at Holloways beach, and volunteers will be sent from there depending on the resources available. There may be a requirement for us to notify Cairns regional council of your request (please see below), if our volunteer resources are stretched.
If your request is covered by one of the other agencies, I will provide you with the information on where you can get in touch with them directly.
We are still aware that the help required is beyond just Holloways. Machans and Yorkeys K**b. We have people on the ground in Deeral/Biboohra/Mareeba/Caravonica, and we are reaching out to agencies in the background to ensure help is covered in these areas. We are also in discussion with a group being set up in Mareeba similar to that of Mud Army, however we’re awaiting further info on how we can possibly assist. (Email responded to today)
Donations – If you would still like to donate please consider the following ways:
Givit - https://www.givit.org.au– there is a list of needed items on there that you can go ahead and fund via the webpage. There is also a list of items that have been donated.
PLEASE PLEASE be mindful of turning up to the communities with truck loads of furniture, they DO NOT have the facilities to store large items and it is creating another problem for them. Please use the agencies that are already in place and have the man power to co-ordinate this for as long as required.
If you are heading out to assist in cleaning/moving items PLEASE PLEASE ensure you wear PPE gloves/masks/ closed in shoes and over cover any cuts you have.
Check in on Cairns Community Flood Appeal 2023 for donation requirements.
Hot meals, food and drink is still greatly appreciated on the ground for the residents and the volunteers. If you are aware of anyone that needs a feed, please contact Cairns Flood Food Drive 2023. Please be mindful to not post peoples addresses direct, and use PM.
Agencies on the ground
Cairns Regional Council also have their own Clean up Crew,- (not affiliated with the MUD ARMY) you MUST register with them first. DO NOT turn up at their meeting point unless advised to from them directly. - Register now to join the Cairns Clean Up Crew as a volunteer
If you need help from the Cairns Clean Up Crew, call the Cairns Disaster Centre on 1300 396 102 or email [email protected] to register for assistance.
Housing assistance is available for residents affected by this event for more information call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) during business hours.
If you are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, call the 24/7 Homeless Hotline for free on 📱1800 474 753.
Queensland Health are now on the ground and have presence at the Community hubs, they have nurses and mental health support workers on site. They can also assist with prescriptions and antibiotics.
If you’re experiencing emotional stress or personal financial hardship from this event, contact your local emergency relief provider or counselling service or call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 for help.
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission provides information about how to rebuild after a natural disaster. There are a number of things you need to do to meet the requirements of your insurers, and then there is the process of calling quotes and having the repairs undertaken.
You can also phone them on 139 333 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), or contact them online.
The Queensland Police visited the Holloways Beach hub today (Wednesday) and re-assured the community they will put in place more Police presence during the hours of darkness where the resource’s are available. They asked, if you are subject to looting at your residence Please report it to 131 444. They cannot get the support for the manpower on the ground if nothing is being reported through their channels.
Orange Sky are based at the hubs for any Laundry needs, also if you have any FlOOD affected Laundry/ cuddly toys please reach out to Cairns Flood Laundry. Time is of the essence for flood affected items to be saved.
We will continue to update the page when we get more information. Please check in on your neighbours and family members during this tough time and share the love. Thanks Rachael, Mel, Laura and Cat
