BaptistCare NSW & ACT has launched a Flood Appeal which has raised more than $75,000 of its $100,000 target in just four days.
Two of the Christian denomination’s Not For Profit aged care homes in NSW’s Northern Rivers – Maranoa Centre in Alstonville and Mid Richmond Centre at Coraki – were badly affected by the floods, yet cared for 12 additional residents who were rescued through a window of RSL LifeCare’s aged care home Fromelles Manor in Lismore.
“Coraki is now accessible by road and electricity has been restored to the Mid Richmond Centre, allowing all usual services to be done at the home, including laundry,” said a BaptistCare NSW & ACT spokeswoman.
“The Australian Defence Force is deploying four personnel to the home to assist with general duties on Friday. They will work hand-in-hand with staff and assist with duties such as house-keeping, cleaning and companionship for residents. We are grateful for their support.”
BaptistCare NSW & ACT sent its internal 11-strong surge workforce, fondly known as ‘Heroes’ (pictured), by helicopter to Coraki, which was then cut off, last Friday. They will depart from Coraki tomorrow.
“We are reassured to be seeing some more of our staff able to attend shifts. While staffing levels have improved slightly, we continue to experience significant staffing challenges,” said the spokeswoman.
Paul Sadler, CEO of Aged and Community Services Australia, the national organisation supporting Not For Profit, church and charitable providers of retirement living, community, home and residential care, said he had been told seven aged care homes had to be evacuated in the NSW Northern Rivers region and southeast Queensland.
You can donate to the BaptistCare NSW & ACT Flood Appeal here.
