Disaster Relief Supply Point to open in Rockhampton this year

Amazon Australia has teamed up with Red Cross Australia and Foodbank Queensland to supply specialised kits for storm season.

Disaster Relief Supply Point

Amazon Australia has supplied nearly 5000 disaster relief items to the Rockhampton community as part of a collaboration with Foodbank Australia and Red Cross.

The items include toiletries, blankets, tarps, first aid kits and non-perishable food items to be stored at a Disaster Relief Supply Point at St Vincent de Paul Rockhampton.

Additional Disaster Relief Supply Points have been set up in Cairns, Wangetti, Townsville, Rockhampton, Dalby and St George in an attempt to alleviate supply delays during floods, cyclones and bushfires.

Disaster Relief volunteers helping to organise items

Amazon Community Lead Charlotte Richardson said the program would help Queenslanders access support faster during natural disasters.

“Typically, Amazon Australia’s Disaster Relief network aims to provide emergency supplies to disaster zones within 72 hours, but this can be more challenging for regional and remote residents,” Mrs Richardson said.

“By pre-positioning items within regional and remote communities, locals can rest assured the charities supporting them when disaster hits have much faster access to emergency supplies through this new network of Disaster Relief Supply Points.”

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams said the program was important for Central Queensland.

“Aiding residents of Central Queensland is no easy feat, with our region home to several small towns and remote communities. We welcome Amazon Australia’s opening of a Disaster Relief Supply Point, which will be vital when future disasters strike,” Mr Williams said.

“Our region has faced devastating bushfires, floods, and cyclones in recent years, and this initiative will strengthen our preparedness.”

The items were packed into kits by Amazon volunteers.