In times of great need, the kindness and good will of others can make a lasting difference.
While the natural disaster that has hit the northern part of Queensland continues to break hearts, there have been many stories of people doing what they can to help not only their family members and friends; but complete strangers as well.
The Queensland Rugby League have been made aware of some of the great things people have been doing for each other across the Townsville region – but there are no doubt so many more people who are out there making a positive difference to others.
One person who has had a major impact in young referee Trayeden Fulmer.
Trayeden is a talent up-and-coming match official on the QRL Juniors Pathway Program and he earned praise for his innovation approach to the clean-up effort.
He set up a Facebook page called 2019 Townsville Floods - The Clean Up to find volunteers to help recover after the floods and connect people who need help to those who can provide it.
Trayeden told the ABC that while his own home was high and dry, he wanted to help people whose homes had been inundated by floodwaters and knew a coordinated effort would be the best approach.
“A lot of it has been getting in communication with people who may need some assistance, then organising the teams to get out and help those people,” he said.
- ABC North Queensland have produced a wonderful feature on Trayeden and his fellow volunteers >> Teenager Trayeden Fulmer uses social media to round up volunteers as Townsville cleans up
Speaking to QRL Media, Trayeden said he was blown away by the support.
“It was great to see so much of the rugby league community out there doing their part to assist the community in the clean up and recovery stage!”
Local Rosslea business Cuisine to Go were thankful for the “support and kindness shown to us” by dynamic NQ duo Kerrie Richie and QRL Kerry Winton.
“When the ‘two Kerries’ turned up to help last Wednesday it was incredible,” Cuisine to Go ‘s Nancy Williams said.
“The power of those two ladies, their stamina and hard work made such a difference to the business opening at the weekend.
“We really couldn’t have done it without them.”
Northern Division (Region) manager Scott Nosworthy said he knew how important it was to his staff be able to help out where they could in the community.
“(They) decided to help you on their own. I advised them to get out in the community for a few days to see where we could help,” Nosworthy said of the efforts of his operations managers.
“I understand it was a massive job and I am glad to hear that the ladies were helpful and that you are back up and running.
“It was a terrible event, but out of these events you get the positive side of humanity and community spirit and it is great that the QRL and its employees made a difference at this time.”
In a key fundraising effort, former Maroons legend Johnathan Thurston is lending his hand to the North Queensland flood crisis, donating one of his signed, match-worn Origin jerseys to be auctioned.
Fans will be able to bid for Thurston’s game-worn jersey on hit105’s website in the coming days.
Listen to the full JT interview via the website.
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While the affected areas will be forced to wait to fully assess the damage – there are many ways members of the rugby league family can help.
The Queensland Government has outlined options below:
Leading charities raising funds to help communities include:
Australian Red Cross Society
The Salvation Army — 13 SALVOS (13 72 58)
St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland — 07 3010 1002
UnitingCare — 1800 411 660
Public donations
If you have goods or funds you would like to donate, or want to see what is needed in the disaster affected communities, visit GIVIT where you can donate items directly to affected individuals, families and communities. GIVIT is an online service that lets you see what is needed and urgently required in your community and connects you to trusted charities.
