JourneyOnline
1 February: Blue Care‘s Rockhampton services are well-prepared for the expected peak of the Fitzroy River on the weekend, said Executive Director Robyn Batten.
Blue Care operates a community and respite care service, allied health services, independent retirement living and the Blue Care Gracemere Aged Care Facility, serving more than 800 people in Rockhampton and the surrounding area.
“Though our services aren’t in danger of flooding, our teams are well-prepared in case our services become isolated for the second time this week,” Ms Batten said.
Blue Care Central Queensland General Manager Heather Henderson said all plans were in place and now it was a matter of watching and waiting to see what the Fitzroy River decides to do at the weekend.
“We have such a fantastic team of more than 100 staff members who always pull together at times like these,” Ms Henderson said.
“In the peak of the storm last week when Blue Care Capricorn Gardens Aged Care Facility at Yeppoon was without power, staff from our community service arrived offering their assistance.
“Our staff members are skilled in various areas so where someone may be unable to attend their normal workplace, they are able to support a Blue Care service closer to their own home.”
Bundaberg residents move back to their rooms
Residents at two Blue Care Bundaberg residential aged care facilities, Millbank and Riverlea, have moved back to their rooms after spending several days sheltering in accommodation on higher ground.
Fifty residents at Blue Care Riverlea and 60 residents from Blue Care Millbank were assisted to relocate during the flood, with some opting to remain onsite and others staying with families and friends.
“A huge clean-up has occurred during the past two days and fortunately the Blue Care buildings are fine, with minor damage only to outside property,” said Executive Director Robyn Batten.
“We are also aware there are at least 17 staff members who have lost their homes or part of their homes in Bundaberg, which is sad news, and we will be doing all we can to support them.
“It is unfortunate this is the third natural disaster in two years to affect the vast majority of the state and the communities in which Blue Care has a strong presence. Once again the resilience and the dedication shown by our staff and the community have been nothing short of amazing.”
Elsewhere around the state, several Blue Care facilities and services have been isolated by flood water, though residents are safe and with adequate supplies.
Blue Care will continue to post updates via www.facebook.com/BlueCareAustralia.
