Whether you’re in a flood-affected neighbourhood or watching from afar, it’s hard not to feel powerless seeing footage of Northern Rivers residents stranded on rooftops, photos of businesses underwater in Brisbane, and hearing stories of helpless situations across the east coast. And yet, there are a number of ways in which we can help get flood victims and businesses on the road to recovery.

Make a much-need donation

Here’s where to make donations for those affected by the recent floods:

Givit: browse the listings on Givit to see what people are urgently in need of in flood-affected areas today.
The Salvation Army: make a donation to The Salvo’s NSW and QLD Flood Appeal.
St Vincent de Paul Society: donate to Vinnies’ NSW and QLD Flood Appeals.
gofundme: choose a gofundme fundraiser to donate to. Businesses like Brisbane’s Loop Growers have lost their farmland and equipment and need donations to begin again.
Foodbank: many people have been left without food during the floods. A donation to Foodbank can help get supplies to those in need.

Don your gumboots and gloves

If you can safely access a flood-affected area where the waters have subsided, you can always choose to assist with the clean-up.

It’s important to remember to follow directions from home or business owners (to avoid disposing of wanted or meaningful items – this is an emotional time for flood victims) and to wear gloves, boots and even a mask, where possible, when dealing with floodwaters, mud and mould.

Six ways to help your favourite hospitality businesses recover from the floods (even from afar)

Having already been hit hard by the pandemic, many hospitality businesses have now been impacted by floods in Queensland and New South Wales. Here’s how to show them your support:

• If a cafe, restaurant or experience vendor offers vouchers, purchase a voucher you can use later when the business is back on its feet.
• If the venue or business has reopened (and you can get there safely), go in and make some purchases.
• If you’re local and able, you can find out if the business needs a hand with the clean-up (many will be calling out for volunteers via social media).
• Can’t get to the venue? If the business has an online store, you can make purchases online (just don’t expect a speedy delivery while there are road closures and clean-ups to be completed).
• If the business has a crowd-sourcing campaign running, you can make a donation online.
• Leave a positive review of the business on Google (and avoid leaving negative feedback while staff and even ingredients are in short supply).
• If you’re in doubt, ask the business what they need most so you can direct your good will in the right direction.

Attend or donate to a fundraising event

Keep an eye on your social media feeds for local fundraising events. Here are some upcoming events you can support:

• Northern Rivers resident Pip Sumbak is raising funds for a ‘Flood Relief cook up’ to keep her local community fed during this stressful time.
• Bar Suze in Surry Hills, Sydney, will be hosting an on-site Flood Relief Fundraiser on Sunday, March 6. If you’re not in Sydney, you can still purchase a raffle ticket online to go in the draw to win prizes and donate to three worthy causes: Pip’s Flood Relief cook up, the Bundjalung Flood Relief and the Northey Street City Farm Flood Relief.
• On Friday 11 March, Alphabet Cafe in West End, Brisbane, will host a Farmer Flood Relief Bake Sale in aid of local Loop Growers and Neighbour Farm.
• Brisbane’s Mongrel bar, in Milton, will host a tongue-in-cheek Life Aquatic fundraising party on Saturday 19 March to raise funds for flood-affected local businesses. At just $10 a ticket there’ll be Karma Kegs and live music from local acts.