Hi All,

Just a quick message to let you know that I, Tilly, have taken on a position in the Northern Territory.
MARSS will still operate and service the community with the assistance of our wonderful volunteers and staff.

My role in MARSS will continue by assisting with writing grants and seeking funding for the community.

I wish all the community the best and please continue to support MARSS as it continues to help the community.

Cheers,

Tilly Butler-Woodall

18-27 June 2012 News and Information

As MARSS receives information from various organisations each week our plan is to up load that information for you to share with your co-works, friends and families.

If you have anything you would like shared through MARSS please let us know. emails can be sent to marss.ceo@bigpond.com

Each link will open a new page

with the relevant information.

·     Gungarri Native Title and Determination

·     News Letter from Glennon House Toowoomba

·     Careers Get Together Tuesday 26th June Mitchell Bakery

·     Mums and Bubs Meet in Roma Lion's Park Tuesday 26th

·     Employment for Local Indigenous Youth - Mobility to Industry -Beyond Billabong

·     Peer Skills Facilitator Training - This training is freely available to workers from schools and agencies that are supporting young people affected by Queensland's natural disasters of 2010-2011

This Weeks Shared Information 23-29th June 2012

Please pass on this information to your co-works, friends and families. By sharing knowledge and information we make richer communities.

If you have anything you would like shared through MARSS please let us know. Emails can be sent to marss.ceo@bigpond.com

Clicking on each link will open information in a new window.

• Mental Health Connection Winter Addition

• Free Family Law Information Session Wed. 4th July 2012

• Remote Jobs and Communities Program

• Hand Made in the Country Newsletter

• Safety and Mobility Suppliers

• BAG General Meeting and Farewell 2nd July

Maranoa and Regional Support Services Inc. would like to take this opportunity to thank Sharyn Garret for all the great work and support she has shown to then Mitchell community during her employment with Booringa Action Group over the past 3 years.

Booringa Action Group Blog

 

Free Literacy and Numeracy Classes

Maranoa and Regional Support Services are continue to hold literacy and numeracy classes as a services to the community through the greatly appreciated funding received from DEETI.

These classes are one on one, unless you have a friend who you would like to work with you.

Adult Literacy and Lifeskills survey undertaken by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2006 revealed that between 46% and 70% of adults in Australia had poor or very poor skills across one or more of the five skill domains of prose literacy, document literacy, numeracy, problem-solving and health literacy.

These statistics do not take into consideration Australian’s for whom English is a seond language.

Aside from the debilitating effects of poor literacy at the individual level, where reading public notices or interpreting a bus timetable can become a challenge, the effect on the broader economy is also significant. In fact, it has been estimated that a one per cent increase in a country’s literacy scores is associated with an eventual 2.5 per cent increase in labour productivity and a 1.5 per cent increase in GDP. (Elainen Henry, The Punch,10/09/09)

If you are interested in improving your literacy or/and literacy skills, please contact Tilly on  0427786851

The Process in Mitchell for Receiving a Food Voucher from Maranoa Regional Council.

 

1. Supply a copy of your last Centerlink income statement
       If you do not have an income statement you need to retrieve it online.

To Register online you need –

You may need the following items to answer the questions asked:

·         a recent letter from Centrelink and/or the Family Assistance Office
·         a recent statement from your bank where your Centrelink and/or Family Assistance Office Payments are sent
·         your concession card if you have one (e.g. Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, Health Care Card)
·         any documents that you have presented to Centrelink as Proof of Identity (e.g. driver's licence or passport).

Registration steps
Follow the registration steps:

1.       identify yourself using your Customer Reference Number (CRN), if you have one
2.       answer questions about yourself and your Centrelink record, to help us verify your identity
3.       confirm your access level
4.       choose your password for online services
5.       set your Personal Identification Number (PIN) for phone services (optional)
6.       create your secret questions and answers which can help if you forget your password
7.       be provided with a Customer Access Number (CAN) if you don’t already have one
8.       receive information about how to log on to use online services
9.       follow the prompts to complete the registration process.
Secret questions and answers

You need to provide 5 secret questions and answers when you register for online services. These are used for protection over your personal and sensitive information.

You will need to correctly answer a secret question each time you log on and if you need to reset your password. Once logged on, you can manage your own secret questions and answers.

If you need assistance with this process the volunteers at MARSS will help you.

2. Send the copy of the income statement to the Maranoa Regional Council fax number – 46246990 – Attention Madonna Mole.
3. Go to the Council office and phone Madonna Mole on 46240808 to undertake a phone interview.

WEB ADDRESS FOR CENTRELINK - https://www.centrelink.gov.au/wps/portal/clk_common/CROSS

Food Vouchers Help The Community - Thanks Maranoa Regional Council

Maranoa Regional Council are suppling food and fuel vouchers to members of the community who are caught short before a pay, be it Centrelink or employment. To achieve this assistance you need to call the Neighbourhood Centre on 46201000.  You will be required to have a phone interview and the lady in charge of this funding will decide if you can receive this assistance. You will then need to go to the Council offices on the Corner of Cambridge and Ann St, Mitchell and be given the voucher from the staff there. You do not have to repay these funds.

You are unlikely to receive a voucher if you have recently been paid, as this demonstrates to Council that you have not managed your finances. The Neighbourhood Centre will offer you assistance with budgeting, conducted in Roma.

The money you receive comes from a grant from the Department of Communities, State Government. It is a wonderful example of how those who are disadvantaged in the community are assisted when in need.

HOWEVER it has a couple of flaws. Roma staff don’t know how many of the Mitchell people work as a community.

For over 2 years Maranoa and Regional Support Services Inc, who are not assisted through grants by the Department of Communities or Maranoa Regional Council to support members of the community have been supplying food vouchers and fuel vouchers to those in need.

The way it was done was that if someone in the community were in need, our criteria was that the person, or someone in their family were to assist MARSS by “working” off the debt or paying it back when the person next received a payment. (What goes around comes around)

Paying off the debt might mean mowing lawns for the elderly, minor repairs, donating excess clothes to be given to others, washing the clothes MARSS gives away to those in need or selling raffle tickets or number boards. In other words, MARSS believes that help comes from helping ourselves. This process worked.

What worked well about this way of assisting the community was that MARSS could then work with the person or family to make a difference in their lives and to increase their self esteem and not remove their pride from asking for a handout, because it wasn’t a hand out, it was a helping hand, that had expectation that the person would help back – and the majority of people did.

To receive a voucher from MARSS there was no criteria based on when the person last received payments as to if they were assisted or not, because MARSS was aware that in some household an influx of other family members who may suddenly come to town, become unemployed or any other event could eventuate in a family or person ending up with extra mouths to feed that they never budgeted for nor expected. This sudden change in circumstances was not reliant on when a Centrelink payment came in – it is just called life, and it happens.

MARSS is situated in the main street of Mitchell, we know most of the people who are disadvantaged. The volunteers who work there are street wise, they have lived in poverty, they have or are on pensions, they have seen the rough side of life and they work there because they want to make a difference in other people’s lives and their own. All who work for MARSS have been helped by MARSS.

Because MARSS listened to those who were unemployed, needed housing and knows through word of mouth what is happening around town we have been able to find full and part time employment for a number of people. We have accessed housing when the Neighbourhood Centre couldn’t because we could ask someone who we were aware had an empty house if they would give someone the opportunity to rent it. Of course since the flood housing has become almost impossible to find for anyone, let alone someone who is severely disadvantage.

Because MARSS food and fuel vouchers were on a payback system, it created a relationship with people. By giving them something to do, it also reduced a number of people in the community from dwelling on their misfortune. The office can often have 10-15 people sharing a cup of coffee and chatting about life, a form of self help support that gave these people hope, a direction and a feeling that they were not alone. From listening to these people MARSS staff were able to direct people to services outside of the MARSS scope – a simple process that worked and didn’t leave people feeling that they were getting a handout.

With Council now taking over the supply of food and fuel vouchers, MARSS management does not feel that it can continue supplying this service because we do not know who has been assisted by Council. Though we realise that those we assisted could payback in some form the assistance they receive from MARSS, it does not give a true picture of what is needed in this community.

MARSS food vouchers were an example of how the Mitchell community was working together to achieve outcomes for people who are disadvantaged. The Council and the Department of Communities have come to the rescue and provided food and fuel vouchers that help people who are in need, but they have taken away the importance of what it means to help people – opportunity to help themselves.

The cost of the food vouchers to the Maranoa Regional Council exceeds what was spent by MARSS. Council employs a full time person in Roma, as well as the cost of time to administer the voucher in Mitchell. MARSS staff are voluntary.

MARSS staff are on the ground in Mitchell, we don’t operate between 9-5 Monday to Friday. We have been available to help people at midnight, when they needed to get out of town because a family member was in critical need in a major hospital on the coast. The Neighbourhood Centre can’t and won’t do that for the community.

The providing of the food and fuel vouchers in Mitchell by the Maranoa Council and the Department of Communities was not done in consultation with organisations in Mitchell. They never asked, though they were aware of the services MARSS provided. Council no doubt tendered for the funding, but it costs the tax payer more than to supply a service that was already happening and working well. Mitchell people have lost over this decision and all the people of the Maranoa are paying for this service through their rates and taxes. Well done Department of Communities and the Maranoa Regional Council!

Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal Extended to May 4th

Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal Application

Extended until: - 4^thof MAY 2012

CLICK HERE to access the form

This is important!


We have been contacted by Red Cross this is a copy of the email.

Included in these letters is an invitation to the applicants that should they have any queries regarding the payment they can call 1800 901 933 and similarly for those who have been advised they are not receiving assistance, they too are welcome to call 1800 901 933 for additional advice or how to access our appeals process.

Any concerns should be raised as soon as possible as the deadline for any concerns is Friday, 25 May, when these appeals will be assessed.

 Even though the closing date for applications to the Appeal was Friday, 16 March, the Distribution Committee has advised that due to remaining funds they are willing to accept new applications from those who may not have realised the Appeal was available or perhaps there are those who did not apply believing they would be covered but have since been denied their insurance claim. It is expected that amounts allocated to late applications in this final round may be less than in the first round due to the reduced amount of funds available.

The closing date of any further applications would be Friday, 4 May. Following the Appeals Decision Meeting on Friday 25 May any and all remaining funds would then be distributed to existing applicants as decided by the Distribution Committee.

As a reminder, applications can be faxed through to me at 3367 7444. As we are at this very final stage please ask the applicant to phone me on 1800 901 933 to advise they are sending through the application so that I can check it has come through successfully. Otherwise I will have no way of knowing if for some reason the fax is not received successfully. Again, all applications will be responded with an acknowledgement letter. Applicants must ensure they receive this proof that their applications have been received, and if not, to contact me.

I hope the above information is helpful. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Kind regards,

Laurelle.


CLICK HERE to access the form you need to complete.


Completed forms can be mailed to:



Australian Red Cross Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal

Replied Paid 1822

Milton BC QLD 4064



OR Faxed to:

33677444


Or emailed to:


lmateja@redcross.org.au

For more information please see this website. RED CROSS

If you need assistance with faxing this form please visit the office on MARSS and we will fax them for you.

If you know someone who needs assistance to fill this in please call Tilly on 0427 786 851.

Rural Towns Need the Tourist Dollar

The issue of tourism in the Maranoa region was featured as a subject of importance at the Candidate meeting on 17th April in Roma, and yet in Mitchell the spa remains closed.

This tourist season at least four busloads of tourists have cancelled their stay in Mitchell because the Spa is not opened. This affects the whole town, the businesses, employment, and the morale of the whole community. At a time when the people of Mitchell are at their lowest ebb, the closure of the spa only increases the feeling of despair that the community is experiencing.

Council has said that tourism is important for the economic growth of the region. Council has spent  good money on having a consultant visit all the towns to discuss street enhancement and produce a Placemaking Plan. Plans are one thing, but to not continue and maintain the existing tourist attractions that currently work for communities, such as the spa, makes such consultations a waste of time and money.

Prior to the amalgamation, Mitchell had a steady flow of tourists, and the tourist dollar moving through the town. Four years on and the town is struggling to keep travellers in the town or to have them even stop. This has affected many small businesses in the community of Mitchell. The closure of the Mitchell Laundromat this coming Friday is yet another example of how this community will lose on the tourist dollar. Nowhere for travellers to wash clothing makes a stay overnight not worth the effort.

Tourism information has not been kept up to date for the region, the Council Tourist book still advertises 2 nights free. Since the council leased the caravan park this service has not been available to the traveller. Advertising that it is available leaves bad feelings – not reflected on the council, but on the community of Mitchell.

Camping available at the showgrounds costs $24 – for little or no facilities. Enterprise is one thing, but an enterprise that costs the whole community is another.  

A study was undertaken in Mitchell a number of years ago that indicated that the average traveller, if they spend two days here, will spend $40 per day per person. With approximately 40,000 people driving through Mitchell each year that is a conservative loss to the community of $1,000,000.

Can our towns afford this kind of loss?

RENTING and your home was damaged – What to do…

RENTING and your home was damaged – What to do…

FACTS SHEETS CAN BE FOUND HERE

What you need to do.

Technically, you do not have to leave the house until the landlord gives you a Form 12.

The Notice to leave (Form 12) is used when the lessor/agent is giving notice to the tenant/s to vacate the premises.

The form is completed and signed by the lessor/agent and given to the tenant/s. It may only be given in accordance with the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008.

If you receive this form as a tenant, it means that the lessor/agent is giving notice that the tenant must move out of the premises by the handover date stated in the notice. This may be for a number of reasons.

If you dispute the reasons on which this notice was given, you should first try to resolve the issue by contacting the party who gave the notice. If attempts to resolve the issue fail, the tenant can access the RTA's Dispute Resolution Service by lodging a Dispute resolution request (Form 16) with the RTA.

If tenants fail to leave the premises by the handover day, the lessor/agent may apply to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) for a termination order without giving the tenant any further notification. If the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) makes a termination order, an order for possession will be granted to the lessor at the same time.

You should get a letter from the landlord determining if you are going to be able to return to the house. Ask them to include in the letter when they believes that you will be able to go back to the house.

You need it in writing not verbal!!!

They can fax this to you at the MARSS office on 07 46237572 if you do not have a fax machine and you can pick it up at the MARSS office. Or email it to you. IF you do not have a printer MARSS is happy to have it emailed to us at marss.ceo@bigpond.com and you can pick it up at the office. 47 Cambridge St Mitchell.

If the landlord says you are not going to be able to go back in, then you can lodge a Form 16 with Rental Tenancy Authority to appeal this decission.

If you have concerns that the landlord is not going to let you back in, or if you think that there is going to be a long time before you can get into the house again, then you need to lodge a request for housing with the Maranoa Regional Council.

Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal Application Form. MUST DO DUE 16th March

Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal Application 

DUE: - 16^th of March 2012

This is important!

Not many people in Mitchell have  completed the Premier's Disaster Relief Application Form. It is not one that you can fill in and give someone to lodge for you at the Recovery Centres. You may have been handed a copy of it.

We have been contacted by Red Cross and they have informed us that not many people have completed this form in Mitchell.

CLICK HERE to access the form you need to complete.

If you need help with this or additional information you can call 1800 901 933 Red Cross direct
or someone to call on you or you can drop in and see somone at 47 Cambridge St Mitchell. (The pink building) or you can go to the Recovery Centre next to the Blue Care office.

Completed forms can be mailed to:

Australian Red Cross Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal

Replied Paid 1822
Milton BC QLD 4064

OR Faxed to:
 33677444

Or emailed to:

lmateja@redcross.org.au

For more information please see this website. RED CROSS

If you need assistance with faxing this form please visit the office on MARSS and we will fax them for you.

If you know someone who needs assistance to fill this in please call Tilly on 0427 786 851.

What do you really need!

Maranoa and Regional Support Services Inc have been dropping in on people around town to get a clear picture of what is happening in the community so that we can go forward into the future of a better Mitchell. 

One thing that has come to our attention is the number of people who have either not had insurance or have been refused insurance.
Mitchell never expected a flood like the one we had in February. We all live on a tight budget, and to reduce costs leaving out something like flood cover is a normal reaction for most people who have never experienced what a flood can be like.

It isn’t helpful to our fellow citizens to feel smug about being lucky that went with a company like Suncorp who automatically cover for flood, when our neighbours thought they were doing the right thing and insured with an alternative company. In most cases, those who were with those companies that did cover flood were not even aware until after the event, and breathed a sigh of relieve. Alternatively, those who were not covered, in most cases were shocked and are now in serious financial difficulty.

In addition to this, many people had the insurance assesses go through their claim early and they didn’t have the time to think about what they really were missing. In many cases, people can go back to their insurer and reclaim, however, some cannot.

MARSS has been door knocking houses and presenting people with the opportunity to fill in an Essential Household Items form that will help them to think about what is missing, but also so that if they return it to MARSS we may be able to assist them to get some of the smaller items that have been lost in the flood, things we don’t think of like, potato peelers, soap holders, rubbish bins.

A number of people have told us that it is ok to presume that we can go down to the shop and replace these items – all the shops are opened – but money doesn’t grow on trees and for some recovery will take a long time. The cost of replacing appliances in the average kitchen exceeds $1000.

We have included a list of house hold items that the average family has. If you think we can help, please fill it in and we will make direct contact with organisation that may be able to help, such as Giveit, Lifeline, individuals, businesses and towns that have offered help.

We need these lists completed urgently, so we can send letters of request in bulk.

If business houses who were affected by the flood want to put together a wish list, we are happy to help with trying to source items for you as well.

It is one thing to say BUY LOCAL and another to understand that not all of us can buy at all.

Please remember, we are making no promises, we are just trying to give as much support as we can to the most people in any way we can.

HOUSEHOLDITEMS LIST (PDF format. You will need to print and fill in this one by hand and return to the office at 47 Cambridge Street. Or scan and return by fax 46237572 or email marss.ceo@bigpond.com )

HOUSEHOLDITEMS LIST (Spread sheet format complete on your computer, printed and returned to MARSS at 47 Cambridge Street or email to marss.ceo@bigpond.com)



Money Matters

Financial Assistance Information:

For up to date information click here.

 

1. Disaster Assistance

Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements have been activated across the Balonne, Barcaldine, Blackall Tambo, Central Highlands, Maranoa, Murweh and Paroo local government areas.

**Financial counselling hotline: 1800 007 007 (Financial First Aid)**

1.1 Emergent Assistance Grant

Affected residents will be able to access personal hardship assistance to cover the costs of essential items such as food, clothing and accommodation. Hardship assistance grants of $180 per person, up to a maximum of $900 for a family of five will be available.

Emergent assistance grants are not means tested.

FIND OUT MORE: For more information call 1800 173 349 or visit your nearest Community Recovery Centre. You can also take the first steps in applying for Community Recovery support and assistance through the Personal Recovery Assist Portal.

1.2 Essential Household Contents Grant

An Essential Household Contents Grant may be available to low-income families to help with the replacement or repair of uninsured, essential household contents which have been lost, damaged or destroyed. This grant provides assistance of up to $1,765 for individuals and $5,300 for families.

Essential Household Contents Grants are means tested and applicants will need to satisfy income and asset tests for these grants

FIND OUT MORE: For more information call 1800 173 349 or visit your nearest Community Recovery Centre. You can also take the first steps in applying for Community Recovery support and assistance through the Personal Recovery Assist Portal.

 

1.3 Structural Assistance Grants

Further assistance will be available to assist repair owner-occupied, uninsured residences damaged by floodwaters with Structural Assistance Grants of up to $10,905 for individuals and $14,685 for families.

Essential Household Contents and Structural Assistance grants are means tested and applicants will need to satisfy income and asset tests for these grants.

FIND OUT MORE: For more information call 1800 173 349 or visit your nearest Community Recovery Centre. You can also take the first steps in applying for Community Recovery support and assistance through the Personal Recovery Assist Portal.

1.4 Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) will be provided to eligible people adversely affected by the Queensland flooding. The payment is to provide immediate, one-off financial assistance ($1 000 per adult and $400 per child) to eligible Australians adversely affected by the disaster.

Claims for this assistance can be lodged at Centrelink until 6 August 2012. Click here to view eligible locations.

Eligibility criteria:

·       are an Australian resident, and

·       are 16 years or older or are receiving a social security payment, and

·       have not already received an Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment for the disaster, and

·       have experienced one or more of the following:

o   you have been seriously injured

o   you are the immediate family member of an Australian killed as a direct result of the disaster

o   your home has been destroyed or has sustained major damage

o   you have been stranded in your home, or unable to gain access to your home, for a period of at least 24 hours

o   your home was without electricity, water, gas, sewage services or another essential service for a continuous period of 48 hours

o   you are the principal carer of a dependent child who has experienced any of the above

FIND OUT MORE: Call Centrelink on 180 22 66 or visit the website for more information.

 

1.5 Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements

The Commonwealth/State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) have been activated for approving concessional loans to primary producers, small businesses and non-profit organisations in the affected areas of Balonne, Barcaldine, Blackall-Tambo, Maranoa, Murweh and Paroo.

Primary producers, small businesses and non-profit organisations affected by flooding in South West Queensland may be eligible for grants up to $25,000. Grants are available in two tiers.

·       Tier 1 - grants of up to $5,000 to assist primary producers, small businesses and not for profit organisations with immediate early recovery (subject to future QRAA audit)

·       Tier 2 - grants of up to $20,000 to recover costs that the primary producer, small businesses and not for profit organisations have paid in order to repair direct flood damage.

 

1.6 Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme Grant

Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme Grants provide home owners who are unable to claim insurance or are uninsured with a refund for the cost of safely reconnecting electricity, gas, water, sewage services and septic systems damaged by the disaster.

Home owners can claim up to $200 for safety inspections by accredited inspectors for pre inspection of electricity, gas, water, sewage services and septic systems damaged by the disaster.

Home owners can claim up to $4,200 to reinstate services to Australian Standards by qualified tradespeople, after the disaster.

Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme Grants are means tested and applicants will need to satisfy income and asset tests for these grants.

FIND OUT MORE: For more information call 1800 173 349 or visit your nearest Community Recovery Centre. You can also take the first steps in applying for Community Recovery support and assistance through the Personal Recovery Assist Portal.

1.7 Accommodation assistance

Financial assistance is available for Queensland home owners or private renters in areas affected by flooding.

FIND OUT MORE: Find out more about the accommodation assistance available.

1.8 Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal

Red Cross is also assisting with the distribution of funds from the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal to people impacted by the regional Queensland floods earlier in the year. Red Cross is encouraging individuals and families affected by these floods in Queensland to apply.

The Appeal application forms are available online or by calling Red Cross on 1800 901 933. Application forms are also available from Disaster Recovery Centres and Queensland Department of Communities offices in the flood-affected areas.

2.0Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal Donatios

 

Donations to the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal can be made in a number of ways.

Donations can be made in person at any Queensland branch of the Bank of Queensland (BoQ), Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, NAB or Suncorp.

Donations can be made through online bank transfer to Account Name - Premiers Disaster Relief Appeal, BSB - 064 013, Account number - 1004 1278.

Donations can be made via credit card by calling 1800 219 028 or through the Queensland Government website.

MITCHELL COMMUNITY GROUPS NEED TO GET TOGETHER

Below is a copy of a letter we are sending to all community groups that have been involved in the Mitchell recovery. This is not a whole community event, we are asking that a representative of each organisation attends so that they can share information and continue to work together towards a positive future for Mitchell and the surrounding towns.  If you have any concerns, or an interest in any of the groups listed and would like those representatives attending to raise an issue on your behalf, please contact the relevant organisation you belong to and they can bring your concerns to the meeting. 
We believe Council has advised that it will have a whole community meeting some time in the future.

47 Cambridge St, Mitchell 4465 Phone: 0427786851 Fax: 46237572 ABN:39134992613 IA No: 36392 Email: marss.ceo@bigpond.com 2/03/2012

Dear Sir/Madam,

We wish to invite a delegate from your organisation to attend a Flood Recovery and Community Rebuilding Meeting.  As a key organisation within the Mitchell community that has been involved in the recovery after the floods, your attendance would be greatly appreciated. This meeting is to discuss the future direction of your organisation to ensure that all organisations are working together for the benefit of the community.

DATE: Thursday 8^th March

TIME: 6:30 pm

WHERE: Hotel Richards

Key points to be address will include:

What is your organisation currently doing in regard to the Mitchell community?

What plans do you have in place for the future recovery of Mitchell?

What are is on your “wish list” for the recovery of Mitchell?

Followed by questions and answers.

The following organisations in the community have been invited;

Booringa Action Group	Landcare
Nalingu	Rotary
CWAATSICH	Community Recovery team member
Lifeline	Red Cross
Hospital DON	Country Women’s Association
Alcoholics Anonymous	Meals on Wheels
Council Representative	Blue Care
QMDC	Catholic School
Catholic Church	State School
Church of England Church	MHEP
Community Nurse	Maranoa Combined Churches
SES	Kindergarten Rep.
Sunwater	Agforce

This community disaster requires a whole of community approach.

Please RSVP by Wednesday 7^th March 2012 for catering purposes.

Regards,

Kent Morris