URGENT: Cyclone Debbie – support our affected members

As always when disaster strikes, people are quick to help in whatever way they can.

The Boating Industry Association has sent an appeal to all its members, asking for both monetary and physical assistance for the operators of the marinas and other marine businesses affected by Tropical Cyclone Debbie. This is the text sent by National CEO Howard Glenn:

The media reports of damage from Cyclone Debbie to our members’ marinas and operations around Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island, the Whitsundays and Mackay are causing a lot of concern. While damage repair and recovery will take some time, early support and assistance is needed to get control of boats and marinas, and to re-establish operations.

The BIA is coordinating a support effort for our affected members and is looking for volunteers and donations. The support will take the form of up to 10 competent marine staff willing and able to assist where needed at members’ sites. We are looking for staff of members who have good boat handling skills or marine trade skills.

Ideally the support team would depart next Saturday 1 April or Sunday 2 April, depending on flights, and stay until the following weekend.

Could you let us know if you can release any of your staff for this purpose? Or if you can’t, are you able to make a donation to assist with the travel and support costs.

Aaron McKenna, our Queensland Manager, will be coordinating the BIA support team. Cash donations can be made to the BIA account at St George Bank, BSB 332 027, Account 552 004 720, marked Cyclone Relief, or by cheque made out to BIA Cyclone Relief.

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