Centacare FNQ, Media Release, 15 April 2025
Following the devastating floods in January and February, Centacare FNQ officially opened its Tully Disaster Recovery and Resilience Hub this month, with a community morning tea that gathered local leaders, residents, and service providers.
The morning tea began with Fr Joby of Tully’s St Clare’s Catholic Parish delivering a heartfelt blessing of the new office and set the tone for a morning of heartfelt reflection and recognition.
“It is with deep gratitude and hope that we acknowledge the presence and mission of Centacare, our Diocesan agency for social services, as they establish and operate the Disaster Recovery and Resilience Hub here in Tully. This important initiative is a sign of the Church’s enduring commitment to walk with our communities, especially in times of trial and rebuilding,” said Fr Joby.
According to Ms Veivers, approximately 40 local community members and groups attended the event, showing the incredible support and solidarity already present in the region.
“It was wonderful to see community leaders, residents, and service providers come together to celebrate the launch and acknowledge the ongoing efforts in the recovery process,“ said Centacare FNQ’s Executive Director Anita Veivers.
“With services expected to remain in place for at least six months, our Centacare FNQ Cassowary Coast team, a mix of experienced local residents and members of our Centacare team from Cairns, will continue providing vital recovery assistance through case management, door-knocking initiatives and connecting individuals and families with resources,” she said.
The event highlighted the importance of Centacare FNQ’s ability to work with community, and leveraging the expertise of local service groups to reflect a core value in the organisation’s community approach to disaster recovery.
“In the coming months and for the foreseeable future, Centacare FNQ will remain committed to supporting the Cassowary Coast community in its recovery journey.”
Speaking on behalf of the Community Recovery team, Penny Jones acknowledged the region’s rapid and compassionate response to the flood crisis was the culmination of care and collaboration by local services and residents.
Cassowary Coast Regional Councillors Trudy Tschui and Ellen Jessop also shared inspiring words about the resilience and strength of the Cassowary Coast community in the face of adversity.
Cassowary Coast Councillor Ellen Jessop took the opportunity to commend Centacare FNQ for their efforts and for supporting the community during one of the most challenging times in recent memory.
“Your efforts to provide recovery assistance, mental health support, and practical resources have been invaluable. I can speak for many in the Cassowary Coast Regional Council when I say that your commitment has made a real difference in people’s lives,” said Councillor Jessop.
Fellow Cassowary Coast Councillor Trudy Tschui endorsed her fellow Councillor’s comments while also extending gratitude to Centacare FNQ.
“The February floods were a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and power. However, they also highlighted the strength of our community. In times of crisis, feeling overwhelmed is common. Yet, organisations like Centacare bring hope, restore confidence, and guide us on the path forward. Your work has been essential in providing that support – whether through connecting people with emergency relief, offering counselling services, or simply lending a listening ear to those who need it most,” said Councillor Tschui.
Centacare FNQ’s Cassowary Coast Disaster Recovery and Resilience Hub is at 33c Butler Street, Tully (the former Work Ways building). It is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. The Cardwell office is open Tuesdays and Thursdays 9.30am – 12.30 pm or by appointment.
Appointments are not required but can be scheduled by contacting the Centacare FNQ Cassowary Coast team on Mob: 0418 537 310 or Email: ccr@centacarefnq.org
To check the latest updates and information for Centacare FNQ’s Disaster Recovery and Resilience Hub, visit Centacare FNQ’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/centacarefnq/.
