Life after Larry: procedures in place to guarantee clients' needs are met
It has been almost a year since Cyclone Larry struck Innisfail and the surrounding region. Since then, Disability Services Queensland staff and community organisations have worked tirelessly to ensure people with a disability are appropriately supported.
Cyclone Larry caused widespread destruction across the Innisfail region. A year on, a detailed strategy for disaster response has been developed that can be shared across the state, ensuring that in an emergency the needs of people with a disability can be properly addressed.
People with a disability were top of mind for emergency workers facing the widespread destruction caused by Cyclone Larry on 20 March 2006.
Disability Services Queensland staff acted immediately. Cairns-based staff collaborated with local agencies and other government departments to address the immediate needs of clients, their families and carers.
"Cyclone Larry had covered a wide area so efforts were made to contact all known individuals and families across the cyclone area, including up in the Tablelands," the department's then Acting Regional Director Ann-Maree Byrne recalls.
Disability Services Queensland promptly contacted workers and clients in cyclone-affected regions.
"There was daily contact, no challenge was ignored and some very flexible approaches presented as a response," Ann-Maree says.
"For example, a respite house was found and set up in less than 48 hours due to the efforts of a number of parties, including a very generous Red Cross who were able to source furniture, whitegoods, linen and clothing."
Staff efforts allowed people with a disability to stay in their community and reconnect with their friends. Local workers provided essential drop-in support and referred matters relevant to independence or vulnerability to relevant authorities.
Financial assistance and essential supplies were also provided, often directly to the person with a disability in their home.
"As a result, one year on, there have been alliances built at a level not present beforehand and Disability Services Queensland staff have a response strategy in place which can be shared with others across the state as required," Ann-Maree says.
"Families supported during this time have also been able to stay together and feel supported when essential family requirements related to housing and income have been a priority."
Disability Services Queensland is encouraging people with a disability to strengthen informal support networks by visiting the Local Area Coordination office at Shop 3, 180 Edith Street, Innisfail or phoning 4061 1836.
Last updated November 2007