Recent torrential rain along the Queensland east coast has led to the worst flooding in the ‘sunshine’ state in over a century.  Severe flooding in urban and rural regions in southern and central areas of the State, including Brisbane, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Maryborough, Toowoomba and inland areas such as Emerald, Dalby and Chinchilla have caused widespread destruction to homes, businesses and industries across the state, across an area roughly equivalent to the combined size of France and Germany.  As flood waters continue to rise and more rainfall is predicted in the coming days, the death toll from the floods currently stands at ten; while over 78 people have been reported missing and more than 200,000 people have been affected by flood damage. 

 

Transportation networks have been cut and power outages are widespread.   Many Queensland industries (including coal, crops and cattle) have been severely affected by the weather with some coal mines halting operations. 

 

The Association is accepting donations for The Premier’s Flood Disaster Relief Appeal in Queensland that will allow for tax deductible donations from the United States to be redirected to the Queensland Relief Appeal.  The Australian Red Cross will manage the distribution of the donated funds on behalf of the Queensland Government.

 

The Dow Chemical Company is contributing $200,000 and the Amgen Foundation has committed $100,000 to the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal - http://www.amgen.com/media/australia_flood_disaster.html   The Dow Chemical Company and Amgen Inc. are both platinum corporate members of the Association.  Amgen’s CEO and Chairman, Kevin Sharer, was recently honored by the Association at our Annual Benefit Dinner in 2009 for the company’s commitment and support of the U.S. - Australia relationship. 

 

While all donations are tax deductible, the Association will issue an official receipt for donations over US$200. The Association is a section 501 (c)(3) public charity, contributions to the Association’s programs and contributions are tax-deductible to the extent provided under section 170 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.

 

To make a donation, please download and complete this form.

 

A telephone hotline - 1300 993 191 - has been set up for people seeking information on friends and relatives caught up in the flooding disaster.
 

•  del.icio.us •  digg •  facebook