The generous contributions of Tweed residents and businesses have raised more than $80,230 for the Together Tweed Mayoral Flood Appeal 2022.
The appeal, launched on 21 March following the record flood of February-March which devastated much of the Tweed, will now be officially closed and the last round of funds distributed to the nominated groups.
Council resolved in March to distribute up to $20,000 to the Murwillumbah Community Centre for the purchase of a new bus, and up to $20,000 towards vital communications equipment for isolated communities in the Tweed.
Council also resolved that the balance of funds raised would be distributed equally between The Family Centre, the Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRCF) and local units of the NSW State Emergency Service (SES). Each of these 3 organisations will receive $13,410 after the final tally was made this week.
Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry said she had been overwhelmed by the generosity of residents and businesses who had contributed so kindly towards the appeal.
"From film studios to sporting legends, actors, local businesses, community groups and big-hearted individuals, I thank each and every one of you for your effort and kindness in donating to the Together Tweed Mayoral Flood Appeal 2022," Cr Cherry said.
"I'm always bowled over by the incredible spirit of the Tweed community and the efforts undertaken to help others in their time of need and this was no exception. We saw everything from generous donations by some of the Tweed's largest companies, to fundraising luncheons hosted by top sports champions and grassroots community activities such as church fetes – thanks to all of you for your generosity."
Cr Cherry said special thanks must go to UK-based ITV Studios (the makers of the show I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! which is filmed in the Tweed) which contributed $21,500 to the appeal as well as MinterEllison law firm ($15,000), Tweed Heads Plumbing Supplies ($8,500), the Salt Bar ($7,150), All Saints Anglican Church - Murwillumbah ($2,220), Seaside Shelter ($2,000), Gold Coast Airport ($1,000) and NSW Spray Seal ($1,000).
Grassroots community groups also contributed to the appeal, including Murwillumbah Men's Shed ($520) and Murwillumbah Ladies Golf ($500). The remaining funds were contributed by anonymous donors and individuals.
Murwillumbah Community Centre Manager Wendy Constantine thanked all of those who donated to the appeal.
"We used the donation of $20,000 to put towards the purchase of a second hand 12-seater van after ours was destroyed in the floods," Ms Constantine said.
"We use the van to pick up donated food to support people in need in our community and to provide transport for our Youth and Indigenous programs. We are very appreciative of the support."
The flood appeal was established to raise funds to offer flood-affected Tweed communities and residents immediate help, support recovery efforts and provide resilience for future flood events and contribute to addressing significant long-term issues such as housing.
The Family Centre will use the funds to support children, families and young people impacted by the floods. The Northern Rivers Community Foundation will award grants to help community organisations work in the early, medium and long-term phases of the flood recovery. And the SES will use the funds to recruit, train and develop volunteers for local units to build its capacity to respond to future emergencies.
