On the 27th March 2006, Christian aid agency the Bush Church Aid Society of Australia (BCA) and the Red Cross had called for donations as the Premier of Queensland Peter Beattie predicted the cyclone damage cost could totalled over $1 billion.
The BCA said what was needed was the ‘gift of money’ where the funds would be directed through the North Queensland Diocesan system through Bishop John Noble and the National Aboriginal Bishop and Assistant Bishop in North Queensland Jim Leftwich. The reason is the diocese office was in a much better position to know exactly how to distribute the fund for the most strategic need and the BCA would be in close contact with the diocese to ensure the disbursement of fund would benefit the community at large.
At Innisfail one of the worst affected area, a thanksgiving service was held attended by over 200 people including the Premier and General Peter Cosgrove head of the reconstruction taskforce.
The ABC reported Neil Clarke, the mayor of Johnstone Shire gave an emotional address to the hundreds of volunteers who came to help. He said: “Through the generosity of others and the resilience of all who live and love our community, this disaster hasn't changed our lives forever. I have never experienced such a horrific event and I pray none of us will ever do it again. Our planning and your preparation, and by the good grace of God, we all survived."
The donations received by BCA would be used to meet the needs of people not covered by other means such as Government relief. Many towns and smaller rural communities as well as farms had suffered severed damage - the worst hit being was Innisfail. Many had lost everything.
The trial of destruction had also extended to the church. The Sydneyanglicans.net reported ‘the parish of Innisfail’s church building and rectory both suffered severe property damage.’ The Reverend Chris Wright the Area Dean of the Northern Region in the Diocese of North Queensland told Sydneyanglicans.net: “Innisfail was devastated. The bulk of the church hall was gone and the rectory lost most of its roof. Thankfully, clergy and family were safe and well.”
The Uniting Church moderator Reverend Dr. David Pitman in light of this sad circumstances stated that ‘our hearts go out to those families whose homes had been damaged and whose livelihoods were now seriously threatened. Let us pray for them all, and for those who were working around the clock to provide the urgent support that was now required.’
The Bishop of North Queensland, the Rt Rev John Noble told the Sydneyanglicans.net, the importance of prayer and relying on God in difficult circumstances. He said: “It was essential under the circumstances people remained calm by putting their trust in the Lord, caring for one another and encouraging one another to remain calm. Prayer was a great start and we could give thanks that there had been no loss of life or injury reported so far.”
Tax deductible donations towards The Bush Church Aid Society appeal will be taken in through their public benevolent fund - the Kirkby Trust. Cheques should be made payable to The Kirkby Trust and mailed to
The Bush Church Aid Society of Australia
Level 7, 37 York Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000
www.bushchurchaid.com.au