Emma Pritchard

There was more than hearty meals, light refreshments and temporary accommodation offered to those in need at the makeshift evacuation centre at the Maclean Showground last week.

There was also plenty of love and support being shared, words of kindness and encouragement, messages of hope and faith, and an overwhelming sensation of community spirit.

As Clarence Valley residents packed up and left their homes following NSW SES (State Emergency Services) flood evacuation orders for low lying areas including Southgate, Lawrence, Brushgrove, Cowper, Maclean and Iluka, Salvation Army Minister Evonne Packer was among many dedicated volunteers who travelled to the region to offer comfort and assistance to flood victims.

After arriving from Taree on March 3, by 7am the following morning, Ms Packer was busy working alongside other volunteers at the Maclean Showground.

“We all saw the floods on the news, and we thought, ‘what can we do to help’,” she said.

“Being part of The Salvation Army, we’re the first to be called upon following an emergency situation, and as soon as we received the text message, we all said ‘yep, let’s go and see what we can do’.”

Ms Packer, who has been involved with The Salvation Army her whole life, said volunteering in an evacuation centre goes beyond preparing and providing meals and a safe place for people to sleep.

“I spent time talking with people, listening to them, helping to look after kids, colouring in together and drawing, just doing anything I could to help,” she explained.

“It was important to offer social support and let people know there were others there who cared for them.”

Ms Packer said upwards of 40 meals were prepared and served at the makeshift evacuation centre during Friday morning with around 20 people remaining overnight as they waited for the all clear to return to their homes.

Ms Packer said other emergency services personnel including the NSW Disaster Response Team and Anglicare worked alongside volunteers to assist residents.

Occupational therapy students from the University of Sydney also travelled to the Clarence Valley and volunteered their time working with the elderly and young children.

“We also had Maclean residents bringing in food donations and home cooked meals and cakes,” Ms Packer said.

“Other local businesses including SPAR Maclean and Ritchies IGA Maclean also donated food which was pretty amazing.”

Food and meals from the makeshift evacuation centre were also distributed to residents in need by emergency services.

“Everyone was working together for the community,” Ms Packer said.

“It was the true Aussie spirit.”

Following the closure of the makeshift evacuation centre in Maclean, Ms Packer confirmed The Salvation Army in Grafton will maintain regular contact with residents affected by the recent flooding to ensure they receive the necessary support as they rebuild their lives.

The Salvation Army has also launched a flood appeal online.

To make a donation, please visit www.salvationarmy.org.au