New disaster relief supply hub stocked and ready in Townsville

With cyclone season around the corner, a new disaster relief hub is getting prepped and ready in Townsville, bringing more than 12,000 emergency supplies right to the region’s doorstep.

Amazon has partnered with Foodbank Queensland and Australian Red Cross to ensure critical supplies are ready to access and aims to distribute within 72 hours in North Queensland ahead of disaster season.

With cyclone season around the corner, a new disaster relief hub is getting prepped and ready in Townsville, bringing more than 12,000 emergency supplies right to the region’s doorstep.

Global retail giant Amazon has teamed up with Foodbank Queensland and the Australian Red Cross to launch a new network of Disaster Relief Supply Points, and Townsville is now home to one of the key hubs.

Over 12,000 essential emergency items — like toiletries, blankets, tarps, first aid kits, and non-perishable food — are already prepacked and ready to be distributed when disaster strikes in North Queensland.

From November, these critical supplies will be stored at the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) on Leopold St, Aitkenvale, to ensure quick access for local disaster groups and charities.

Charlotte Richardson, Amazon Australia’s Community Lead, said Townsville’s high risk during cyclone season made it the ideal location for one of the hubs.

(L-R) Red Cross Queensland volunteer Collin Sivalingum, Charlotte Richardson from Amazon and Jess Watkinson from Foodbank Australia pack critical supplies ahead of disaster season in North Queensland

She said typically, Amazon can deliver disaster supplies to regional areas like Townsville within 72 hours, but with items pre-positioned, relief will be much faster.

“We know when a disaster strikes, one of the biggest issues for residents here is closure of key roads,” Ms Richardson said.

“By pre-positioning critical relief items like toiletries, blankets and first aid kits in Townsville, we can ensure residents get fast relief during a crisis.”

The Townsville hub is part of a larger effort by Amazon to set up six Disaster Relief Supply Points across Queensland, with hubs also being launched in Cairns, Wangetti, Rockhampton, Dalby, and St George.

Amazon has partnered with Foodbank Queensland and Australian Red Cross to ensure critical supplies are ready to access and aims to distribute within 72 hours in North Queensland ahead of disaster season.

Collin Sivalingum, Queensland Director of the Australian Red Cross, praised the collaboration, highlighting the importance of such efforts in supporting vulnerable communities during disasters.

Jess Watkinson, CEO of Foodbank Queensland, also emphasised the value of having supplies readily available, especially in high-risk areas, thanking Amazon Australia for their support.

Originally published as New disaster relief supply hub stocked and ready in Townsville