As communities up and down the coast recover from the recent floods, St Agnes’ Catholic Parish is working closely with those most affected in the Port Macquarie community to help them get back on their feet.

Thank you to everyone who has supported St Agnes’ Foundation Crisis Appeal or who donated items to the Parish’s flood recovery support efforts.

Your generosity means we were able to give food hampers to those who needed them as they restock their pantry to help them replace items that were lost in the flooding.  Kevin and his live in carer, Jane, (pictured) who only moved back in to their home recently were very grateful for the hamper they received from the Parish which enabled them to restock their pantry.

Beth Flynn, Judy von Chrismar and Dorothy Maloney spent several days sorting all the donations. Our Parish is truly blessed to have such generous volunteers. After all their sorting we were able to give supplies to the Centre for Flood Support operating out of the Salvation Army as well. It has been a great sign of community collaboration which is always the best way to work.

Meanwhile Geoff Leary, Tom Phillips, John McQueen and Nette McCoubrie have been knocking on doors of people in the areas of the Hastings where flood waters forced their way into homes. This personal approach has enabled us to assess needs very quickly, respond with supplies and vouchers to purchase essential items and provide pastoral support to the people most affected.

Geoff Leary is pictured with 93-year-old Ken Elliot, who the Flood Recovery team has been helping with repairs to his flood damaged home.

In case you missed it… Deputy CEO, Anne O’Brien, spoke with NBN News recently about the Parish’s flood recovery efforts – Click on the image below (or here) to find the full NBN news story.

If you are still looking to help, here’s what is currently needed most:

What is needed most is Bunnings vouchers to help purchase the building materials for house repairs such as damaged skirting boards, cupboards, kitchens and so forth. A local builder has offered to do the work at a lower than usual rate to support the flood recovery. We just need the materials to get the work done. If you can help, the Bunnings Vouchers can be dropped into Parish Reception or emailed direct to the flood recovery team at Jeanette.McCoubrie@stagnesparish.org.au