BRISBANE: On Wednesday 12 January, local leaders called for an urgent meeting to discuss ways to help in the flood recovery process. 

More than 300 people - men, women and children -responded within a matter of a few hours offering financial aid, cars, trucks, buses, essential supplies and of course their time. Many also offered their homes for shelter.

The volunteers told CCN that they were willing and ready to assist all those affected by the devastating floods, to help with the distribution of supplies, the clean up process and any other assistance that was required.

The Gold Coast and Darra Mosques have also offered the use of their halls as shelter for flood victims in need of accommodation.

To date more than $20,000 has been collected in various mosques through the Muslim Charitable Foundation (MCF) to assist in buying and distributing much needed items for flood victims.

Mustafa Ally, media liaison for Queensland Muslims Volunteers (QMV), the organization that is coordinating the efforts of the community, told CCN: The Queensland Muslim community is deeply saddened by the devastating floods. Their thoughts and prayers are with all the victims of this disaster and they want to do whatever they can to help their fellow Queenslanders.

Donations to assist these and other relief efforts can be made to the following account:

Account Name: Muslim Charitable Foundation Emergency Account

Bank:  Bank of Queensland

BSB:  124 155

Account No.: 2089 7395

Anyone wishing to volunteer their services should visit the Queensland Muslim Volunteers website www.muslimsvolunteers.org to register and email info@muslimsvolunteers.org for more information or assistance.

Catering at the Evacuation Centres

Preparation of hampers at the Gold Coast Mosque (Saturday 15 January) PART 1

 

Distribution of hampers to Lowood (PART 2) By 8.30am the bags were packed onto the waiting Goss Bros truck ready for their destinations. With a dua from the Imam and a short address by Gold Coast City Councillor Margaret Grummitt, the trucks headed off to the Gold Coast City Hall where, with the help of the Gold Coast Titans, they were loaded with baskets of goods donated by local residents.   After a stopover at the Ipswich Mosque for prayers, the convoy of trucks and cars headed for the town of Lowood (click on map) which had been severely affected by the floods. The town could only be reached by truck and the cars had to be left behind.   The distribution was accompanied by much energy, enthusiasm and unrestrained joy and sincerity so much so that the townsfolk came out in their hundreds to thank the volunteers as the trucks slowly wended their way to their next port of call.

 

 

Making the 9 o'clock news

Crescents of Brisbane's Aaakifah Suleman checks on the welfare of her MDA clients (click on image to view SBS news clip and scroll 1.32 minutes).

Dear Editor

This week we have seen the Almighty unleash His power. The floods are a disaster of epic proportions.
 

The enormity of this tragedy does not hit home until you are out there in amongst the victims, the mud, and the giant piles of rubbish.
 

Giving donations is a noble act, but these people need help cleaning up their properties.
 

I urge everyone to lend a helping hand.
 

Our hearts go out to all those who are affected.
 

May Allah have mercy on us all.
 

A J Rane

....just got in my car with a broom, a shovel and a rake;

then lobbed up at the first house I saw in trouble...........

a QMV volunteer told CCN

The Islamic Medical Association of Queensland (IMAQ) also joined forces with QMV to offer assistance and advice where necessary. While the immediate emergency medical needs are being competently addressed by Queensland Health, IMAQ hopes to be more involved in dealing with survivors and their long term psychological impact in the coming months.

With many QMV members undertaking potentially hazardous tasks, IMAQ president, Dr. Iqbal Sultan, has offered community volunteers the following advice: You should consider your own safety and well-being at all times when assisting in the clean-up. It is essential that you dress appropriately with long trousers, closed shoes, hydrate yourself adequately and use sun protection at all times and to study the RACGP fact sheet before venturing out.

IMAQ has arranged free tetanus immunisations for volunteers requiring a tetanus booster. An appointment for your immunisation may be made by calling 3808 3300.

For any further information or enquiries – 0412 845 786 or secretary@imaq.org.au

ISLAMIC SOCIETY OF ALGESTER
LADIES AUXILLIARY
 

The ladies of Algester will be preparing a meal for some of the Muslim flood victims who have had to abandon to the RNA showgrounds.

If you are available to help prepare some chicken and salad wraps on Monday, please contact Ruxana Osman on 3273 5536 or 0401422756.

DATE Monday 17th January, 2011 TIME 9.30 am VENUE Algester Centre

(left to right) Iqbal Sultan, Naadir Gutta, Sheila Glew, Ian Glew, Julie Mciver and Mustafa Ally

Crescents of Brisbane and the Lions of Kuraby joined forces on Saturday morning (15 January) to raise funds for the Queensland Flood Relief setting up a collection point at the Underwood Marketplace shopping centre.

Over $3000 was raised by the end of the day.

Isabella Mcalister (5) of Forest Lake

Two year old, Gameela Alghamry and mom, Mariam Alshemy

The Crescents of Brisbane team visited the evacuation centre at the Yeronga State Primary School yesterday where they handed out hampers of cleaning material to flood victims.

Teams of QMV members have spent the past two days ankle deep in rotting food at the Rocklea Cold Storage depot which was a victim of ferocious flood waters that reached the second floor of the warehouse and toppled a trailer onto its side.

Over 2000 pallets of refrigerated food are waiting to be sent to the dumping centre as the teams of volunteers struggle with moving out the days old rancid, mud covered packages of meat, vegetables and other items.

More hands are desperately needed, and if you able to help call Imraan Nathie on 0431 300 111. 

The Australian International Islamic College is opening up its Buranda campus hostel to provide free accommodation and food to those affected by the current flooding. We are also calling on members of our Australian Muslim community to donate generously for the victims of the flooding, we have established a special account for parents of our pupils, the worshippers at our mosque and members of the community to contribute to our fellow Queenslanders who are affected by the tragic flooding.

“I have just returned from India where I endured my own personal tragedy with the loss of my wife, two sisters and niece who tragically drowned when an unexpected storm caused their boat to capsize. Seeing the images of the flooding affecting my fellow Queenslanders, I am conducting prayers and encouraging the members of my community to donate generously to fellow Queenslanders who are affected by the flooding. Our hostel is open and our hearts are open for all our fellow Queenslanders in the face of this natural disaster.” Said Imam Abdul Quddoos Al Azhary, Chairman of the Australian Islamic Education Trust (AIIC) and the Muslim schools in Durack, Buranda and Gold Coast.

“This is a time to allow our love for each other to clearly manifest through providing all the financial and material support for those affected by the flooding, I call on my community to donate generously. My heart and my prayers are with the people of Queensland in these difficult times.” Said Mr. Keysar Trad who is a resident of NSW and is a trustee with the AIIC.

Accommodation coordinator name: Mrs. Mariam Ali
Contact number: 0415 103 394 or 07 3372 1400 (during business hours)

These efforts of the Muslim community have been recognized by the local community as well as a number of community leaders, politicians and government officials including:

Deputy Mayor, Graham Quirk: My thanks to the Muslim Community for a wonderful gesture and effort. Please pass on my thanks to all of the Muslin Community for their generous support.

MAQ Executive Director, Garry Page: The efforts are very much appreciated at this challenging time.

President Muslims Australia (AFIC), Ikebal Patel: Very good work, please keep it up.

Senator Claire Moore: Congratulations to the Muslim community for your ongoing community generosity.

Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs, Annastacia Palaszczuk: Thank you for all your wonderful work.