As you know many of our employees, businesses and members of our community are suffering under the current flood disaster.  They are constantly in our prayers and thoughts and as such, we are working hard to determine how we can assist them and the broader community. Since last week, we have been in contact with the NSW Disaster Relief Coordinator, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council as well as other local providers to look at the best ways we can answer the needs of our community. There is a short term and a long term answer to this:

Long term :

• When this devastating weather event eases there will be a great need to support those trying to clean up the mess and devastation the flood waters have left.  We will be on hand to provide whatever assistance is required in terms of clean-up teams, accommodation, food and clothing, and storage.

Short term :

• We are supporting the NSW Disaster Relief coordination by accommodating, currently 72 displaced residents from the Laurieton/Dunbogan region at The Francis Retreat at Bonny Hills. The Salvation Army is working with us to assist with the care of these people.
• We are supporting the local hospital by providing beds for the elderly that are displaced or unwell wherever we can in our aged care residential services.
• We are supporting the community by providing a place to have a shower, and wash clothes and a dry place to have a cup of tea or coffee. We are making available the showers under the Youth Hub Hall (Horton Street) and the showers near the Parish Hall (49 Hay Street).  We expect that this will extend to those evacuated and volunteers from evacuation centres over the next 24 hours.

How you can help: Supplies of toothbrushes, toothpaste, towels, soap, shampoo, conditioner and deodorant would be sincerely appreciated (smaller/travel size packs would be ideal). Please drop any items to reception at the Parish Administration Centre or the Presbytery in Hay Street, Port Macquarie.

You can also donate to our Parish Appeals by following the link below:

St Agnes’ Catholic Parish Giving – Giving (stagnesparish.org.au)

Money raised will be used to assist those who need it now and when they return to their homes. Similar to the care packages we were able to provide to families during COVID and the bushfires, this fund is invaluable in helping those in need. We have already supported families with immediate needs using available funds. Thank you for your ongoing generous support.

If you need any assistance or know someone who does, let us know via communications@stagnesparish.org.au or call on 6583 1024.