National leaders' visit to flood zone a boost for Salvo workers
National leaders' visit to flood zone a boost for Salvo workers
4 April 2017
Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd chat with Shayne Skinner, a Lismore flood evacuee who was provided with meals from the Army’s emergency catering unit. Photos: Kevin Elsley.
Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd, National Leaders of The Salvation Army in Australia, visited the flood-ravaged regions of Ballina and Lismore in Northern NSW, on Sunday 2 April.
“Tracey and I, together with leadership and Salvos across the nation, say thank you again to all who are helping and bringing hope to those affected by these floods,” said Commissioner Floyd. “The early-morning breakfast services until the late-night cuppas and everything a day holds in between, The Salvation Army continues to be there – bringing hope where it’s needed most. To echo the voices shared with us over our time on the ground, to all who are serving and supporting, ‘Thank God for the Salvos’.”
The Tidds flew into Ballina on Sunday afternoon and went straight to the evacuation centre there. They met with Ballina Corps Officers, Lieutenant Wes and Captain Debbie Bust, and their team, and spent time talking to volunteers.
“They met with us, encouraged our people, heard some of the stories and also met some of the local community and agency leaders,” said Lieut Wes. “It was a boost for us to keep going.”
From the air, the Tidds could see the widespread extent of the flooding, but also got a completely different perspective once they had landed. “It was only on the ground and standing in the midst of the aftermath of receded waters could one begin to comprehend the devastation and impact felt by individuals and communities,” said Commissioner Floyd. “The Red Shield on the kitchen truck outside the evacuation centre was a welcome sign of hope and comfort for many arriving at the centre.”
Major Lindsay Reeves, Lismore Corps Officer, then drove the Tidds down to Lismore, through the devastated city, out to the flooded Family Store, and then up to the evacuation centre.
Commissioners Tidd lend a helping hand at The Salvation Army’s emergency catering unit that was stationed in Lismore.
“Our store manager had only just been able to get into the store and was dragging everything out and doing the first sweep,” said Major Reeves.
“At the evacuation centre, the Tidds helped us serve dinner from the catering van and just jumped right in and started chatting with people. Seeing them show support from further afield was just great.”
Salvation Army volunteers Anne Riordan and Anne Morrow preparing food for Lismore flood evacuees.
The Tidds paid tribute to all those involved in responding to the immediate aftermath of Cyclone Debbie, and to the recovery work ahead.
“The cuppas shared, the stories told and [the provision of] a place to ask questions in the midst of the uncertainties and loss were just part of the role played by Salvation Army officers, soldiers and volunteers responding to the emergency within their communities,” said Commissioner Floyd. “While [some] worked to clean up the Family Store in Lismore that had five feet of water run through its shop, like other businesses in the CBD, so that they could be prepared to continue to be of assistance to others rebuilding their homes and family life in the coming days and weeks, other Salvos were manning emergency evacuation centres and providing a welcomed hot meal and good conversation.
“We were once again impressed by the tireless and sacrificial service of officers, soldiers and volunteers in a time of crisis, prepared to stand in the gap and be there; with and for 'others'.”
Salvation Army leaders, Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd, with Captain Jennifer and Lindsay Reeves (Lismore Corps Officers), catering team member Sandra Ross, and young volunteer Sarah Ross at the Army’s emergency catering unit in Lismore.
Salvo volunteers Serenity Bacon and Teagan Brownrigg serving meals at the Lismore flood evacuation centre.
Transition to recovery
In Lismore, the clean-up of metres of mud, ruined buildings and debris, continues.
The evacuation centre has closed at Southern Cross University, but The Salvation Army continues there, providing light refreshments as needed as the site transitions to a recovery hub – a place where people can access assistance and information from a range of community and government organisations.
Majors Lindsay and Jennifer Reeves and their team have also opened the Connect centre at the Army hall, which will be open all week.
“We will get people coming up to the Salvos, and it’s started this morning. We will also get the shop cleaned up, although I can’t see it opening for another month or so,” Major Lindsay said.
“We are so grateful to Wes and Deb Bust and their team of volunteers who have given our guys a break with catering. They also helped at the Family Store. Another group drove down the range from Tenterfield, two hours away, to help us out. We can’t thank them enough.
Flood ruined stock outside the family store in Lismore.
In Ballina and surrounding districts, all the evacuation centres have now been closed.
“We are moving into the recovery phase and will have recovery hubs open tomorrow in both Ballina and Mullumbimby,” said Lieut Wes. “People will be able to access all the agencies that provide assistance in that space.
“We have been overwhelmed with phone calls, people wanting to help and do their part. Lismore needs so much help, it’s like a war zone down there; you can’t jump over the piles of rubbish they are so high. The smell is unbelievable. It’s really, really sad.
“We’ve been through five cyclones before this one, and I’ve never seen so much damage over such a long period. My heart goes out to everyone.”
Comments
Many outsiders describe Lismore as a flood city; after this latest devastation I would describe it as a city where people care for and minister to each other.