***PHOTOS and VIDEO available HERE
The Rapid Relief Team (RRT) has deployed sandbagging machines to assist State Emergency Service (SES) crews in Queensland, as the east coast prepares for Tropical Cyclone Alfred to make landfall later this week.
One machine has been delivered, with more than 5,000 bags already distributed to residents, while a second sandbagging machine is arriving from NSW today.
Queensland Regional Team Leader, Daryl Muller said Brisbane and Redland City Councils requested assistance from RRT to help meet residents’ demand for sandbags around midday yesterday, and RRT had the first machine on site by 6 o’clock last night.
“Redland City locals have been filling and packing their own sandbags, so having these pre-packed and ready to go is a huge help to the community,” said Daryl.
“Time is of the essence when you are preparing for an extreme weather event, so RRT volunteers made sure we answered this call for help as quickly as possible.
“RRT will be ready and willing to help in whatever way we can as we brace for Tropical Cyclone Alfred.”
RRT are also preparing to provide meals to around 50 SES volunteers in Nambour, and
teams right across Queensland are on standby to respond to any calls for assistance at evacuation centres.
Additional BBQ trailers, marquees and more than 1,000 Frontline Snack Packs are being sent from RRT’s western Sydney warehouse.
As the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, RRT supports frontline workers and emergency services by providing food, donations and other resources, as well as hosting events for the community.
Established in 2013 to assist emergency services in times of disaster and crisis by providing meals and other support, it’s expanded to more than 16,000 volunteers and provides support to the community through charitable donations and events. For more information on RRT, please go to www.rrtglobal.org/.
Contact details:
Media enquiries: Katie Kimberley, 0417 467 215