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)