Multiple Go Fund Me pages have been created to help flood victims across Southern Queensland

Good deeds and dollars are flowing in for residents and businesses in Southern Queensland who have lost everything in the widespread, intense flooding that swept the region, with donations already topping $500,000. HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP

More than 150 GoFundMe pages have raised more than $500,000 to help those struggling from the floods.

GoFundMe Australia Director Nicola Britton said a dedicated crisis team has been deployed, working around the clock to help those impacted and balance safety with the quick release of funds for those needing it.

“We will be monitoring the situation closely and continuing to support as the crisis unfolds,” she said.

“Our hearts go out to those impacted by the devastating floods across both Queensland and New South Wales.

The GoFundMe Trust and Safety crisis response teams have been working around the clock to vet and verify fundraisers relating to the floods.

“We thank everyone that has given so generously so far. We know first-hand that all donations will go a long way to help with recovery efforts both imminently and long-term.”

Murray Thomas adds to the rubbish pile in at the front of his Windsor home. Picture: Brad Fleet

Donations to assist flood victims can be made through charity groups such as Red Cross and Givit, or through individual GoFundMe pages.

The Mud Army 2.0 has been mobilised for volunteers wanting to assist with the clean-up, with people able to put their hand up through Volunteering Queensland.

There was also financial support for locals affected by the floods, with people living in Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, North Burnett, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba eligible.

The Brisbane Broncos have announced they will also make a $50,000 donation towards recovery efforts for local junior rugby league clubs hit hard by the floods.

Federal MP Peter Dutton started a fundraiser for the Pine Rivers community on Sunday, which has raised more than $23,000 in two days.

Federal MP and campaign starter for Pine Rivers Community Peter Dutton

“We are raising money from all across the country to support residents and business owners in Pine Rivers whose lives and livelihoods have been affected by the February 2022 floods,” Mr Dutton wrote.

The funds would go towards food and essential supply packages for people who need it, essential clean up supplies to assist volunteers and equipment to help businesses get back up and running.

The area around Rocklea and Archerfield flooded.

Rocklea residents Christie L and Anti Fischer took to GoFundMe to help raise funds for their flood recovery after they suffered irreparable damage to their beds, couches, dining table, fridge and washing machines.

Christie said their home had been “destroyed” by the water.

“We are completely overwhelmed and absolutely devastated at this time,” she said.

“Any help to restore our lives and homes back to normal as best as possible would be greatly appreciated.”

Samford Loop Growers farm under water.

Samford’s Loop Growers farm also suffered significant damage after their paddock was “quickly overtaken” by floodwaters.

$23,000 has been raised for the farm to get back on their feet after they lost their crops, with “gushing water three metres over the cultivation,” Billie Star wrote.

“We are now fundraising to completely restart a farm and will need a huge amount more than we first thought.”
“All the buildings have washed away and everything in them.”

The farm had just managed to get all their animals out on time before the flash flooding began.

University of Queensland Associate Professor Nicole George took to social media to share her thoughts on clean-up efforts after she “pretty much lost everything” in the 2011 floods.

Cleaning efforts begin for some areas

“Helpers like the idea of shovelling out mud – and getting dirty,” she wrote on Twitter.

“But mundane, less public things are also really helpful. Offer to empty people‘s kitchen cupboards, take stuff home to yours to wash and see what can be saved for them.”

Meanwhile, a local chain of gyms is offering free showers, coffee and shakes to flood-affected residents.

Fitness Cartel Australian owner Nathan James made the generous offer to all residents in South East Queensland and Northern NSW today and is encouraging other gyms to get on board.

Fitness Cartel Australia has gyms in Aspley, Maroochydore and Tweed Heads.

Find out more here.