Severe Weather Affects the East Coast of Australia

Over recent weeks, the east coast of Australia has been impacted by some of the most severe weather events in history, with some areas being declared a disaster zone.

On 11 January, Kelly Services’ Brisbane office was caught in the middle of the Queensland floods and had to be evacuated, as the Brisbane River burst its peak and water surged through the city centre. 

Our people were provided assistance in travelling home to ensure they were out of danger and that they returned to their homes safely.

As the floodwaters started to recede and the devastation became apparent, Kelly developed a support strategy targeted directly at those within the Kelly network that had been personally impacted. 

Support was offered to Queensland based colleagues as well as the wider Kelly family of temporary and permanent employees.

Gift vouchers were offered as a gift to all affected temporary and permanent employees so that they could purchase essential items such as toiletries, cleaning products and basic food items .

A BBQ for 40 staff was organised at a client site in Rocklea that was flooded and will be out of action for over a month. 

The Kelly Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a complimentary counseling program usually reserved for permanent employees, was opened to any temporary employee whose home was flooded, to help them deal with the immediate as well as the longer term emotional issues of such a devastating event.

Kelly also worked with the Brisbane City Council to help source the trade and service talent required to help expedite the clean up process. 

More recently, the Kelly Townsville office was closed in preparation for the impact of Cyclone Yasi. 

As the devastating aftermath of Cyclone Yasi becomes more apparent, our people in Townsville have already begun working to ensure everyone in the Kelly family impacted by this cyclone is well supported during this difficult period.

Kelly would like to extend our thoughts and wishes to all people affected by these shocking events as they work to rebuild their lives and communities.