East Coast Flooding Emergency Appeal

March 2, 2022

Uniting Church in Australia President Rev Sharon Hollis has launched a national appeal to support people and communities impacted by the intense rainfall and devastating flooding across the East Coast.

Find donation details below

Record-breaking torrential rainfall over the past weekw has caused major flooding in towns and cities across South East Queensland and into New South Wales. Thousands of people have been rescued from their homes or rooftops and whole communities evacuated as people rushed to escape rapidly rising waters. Sadly, lives have been lost in both states.

The Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network (DRCN), a ministry of the Uniting Church Synod of NSW and ACT, at present has deployed 35 chaplains across 19 evacuation centres that are accessible by road, with many more centres inaccessible due to flood waters.

Some Uniting Church communities opened their doors to people left stranded or needing to evacuate.

Rev Hollis is inviting to the wider Uniting Church community to make a donation to support those affected by contributing to the Assembly’s National Disaster Relief Fund.

“Our prayers are with all those communities affected by this disaster, and we pray for the safety of people who are trapped or impacted by the rising floodwaters,” said President Rev Sharon Hollis.

“On behalf of the Uniting Church, I extend our deep condolences to families and friends of those who have tragically lost their lives during this time.”

“We pray also for those returning to their homes after flooding has swept through, and those who have been left without homes to go to.”

The National Disaster Relief Fund is administered by the Assembly and seeks to support the wider community in these times of hardship and loss.

Donations can be made to the National Disaster Relief Fund Bank Account by Direct Deposit or Cheque. See details below.

The National Disaster Relief Fund Committee, in conjunction with the President, will work closely with the Moderators and other leaders of Synods that have been impacted to bring relief to the suffering and distress of the affected communities and to assist their ongoing recovery.

National Disaster Recovery Officer Rev Dr Stephen Robinson said, “Over the coming weeks scores of chaplains from this network will continue to come alongside disaster-affected people and their communities, adding capacity and support to local ministry agents across all denominations.”

Photos: Above - Uniting Church Dayboro. Below - Lismore floods, including images from the Lismore Uniting Church, thanks to Ps Tim Bennett