RACQ has strengthened its disaster relief efforts in North Queensland by expanding its partnerships with charities FareShare and Thread Together to provide essential food and clothing to those impacted by recent severe weather.
Under the initiative, FareShare will increase the number of ready-made meals distributed through its Disaster Relief Meal Program, bringing the total to more than 53,000. These meals will be sent to flood-affected areas and stored for future disaster response.
Meanwhile, Thread Together will supply over 200,000 clothing items through its Emergency Clothing Hub and mobile wardrobe services. These resources will be positioned in flood-impacted regions to assist residents who have lost personal belongings due to extreme weather.
RACQ chief purpose officer MJ Bellotti (pictured centre) said collaboration between organisations plays a crucial role in community recovery efforts following severe weather events.
“RACQ is committed to helping the North Queensland community recover from this devastating event, and our team of claims officers, assessors, and builders remain on the ground helping our
members process their claims and start the journey of rebuilding,” she said.
She added that the recent weather event is expected to have prolonged impact, especially for those who have been displaced, cut off by road closures, or affected by supply disruptions. Therefore, the additional funding will help ensure essential supplies reach communities in need.
“It was important for us to look at opportunities to do more, and this additional funding will get food and clothing to areas like North Queensland now and in the future,” Bellotti said.
FareShare director of community and innovation Fiona Maxwell (pictured right) said the additional funding from RACQ would allow more meals to reach those experiencing food insecurity due to flooding.
“Many communities experience the devastating effects of flooding but fall outside the official disaster relief zones, meaning they don’t receive the same level of assistance,” she said. “This partnership with RACQ enables us to double the number of meals available in disaster affected locations throughout Queensland.”
Thread Together head of strategy and planning Abby Mac Allin (pictured left) said access to clothing is an important part of disaster recovery.
“This funding allows us to deliver vital clothing to flood-impacted individuals and families. In times of disaster, clothing is a key part of the recovery process, giving people not only the physical items they need but also a sense of dignity and hope for the future,” she said.
RACQ has been involved in community disaster recovery initiatives for more than 15 years, providing over $15 million in grants and supporting 25 local recovery projects.
In response to the North Queensland floods, RACQ deployed its Mobile Member Centre to Townsville Stadium, offering in-person claims assistance. Remote services have also been expanded to manage the increasing number of claims.
As of Feb. 6, RACQ had received 386 claims related to the floods, including 263 for property damage and 123 for motor vehicles.
