General News
13 October, 2025
Red Cross calling for volunteers for new Cardwell group
RED CROSS Tully has started developing a new Cardwell-based group of volunteers to help bolster community support in times of disasters such as flooding and cyclones, as well as taking part in the Red Cross’s many other ongoing roles locally.
After a couple of social meetings in the area recently, Red Cross Tully branch secretary Noelene Byrne says she has been encouraged that at least four or five people have already shown a strong interest in joining the organisation in Cardwell.
The area was strongly impacted by major flooding early this year and Ms Byrne says it’s comforting for victims to know that they can turn to local Red Cross volunteers for support.
“It’s like a comforting process,” Ms Byrne said.
“See how you are and what we can do to help.”
Red Cross emergency services officer Robbie Savage, whose area covers the Far North, attended one of the recent meetings to share his experiences.
He says the organisation has a particular focus on ‘psychosocial’ wellbeing: “the psychological and social impacts that individuals and communities experience during and following disasters.”
Typically, after a flood or cyclone the Red Cross provides vital support to communities following the essential ‘first response’ of police, firefighting and emergency services organisations.
“Understanding and managing our behaviours, emotions and thoughts are critical to recovery and resilience,” Mr Savage said.
Not only will the new volunteers be able to help with disaster response, but also in other ongoing regular roles including fundraising, knitting trauma teddies, organising local events and engaging with community groups and individuals who simply need friendship and support.
“For people that are home, who don’t get out, they love to have a chat, that sort of thing. A Red Cross person can have a chat with them and make them feel better for the day,” Ms Byrne said.
This year’s major flood event saw the Red Cross helping around 14,000 people in the Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook and Townsville local government areas.
“In Cassowary Coast, Australian Red Cross were active for several months in the recovery hubs established in Cardwell, Tully and Mission Beach,” Mr Savage said.
“People of the Cassowary Coast are no strangers to disaster. With some of the highest rainfall totals in the country, a network of river and mountain systems, as well as the towns’ close proximity to the coast, long term residents have plenty of disaster stories to share.”
New volunteers interested in joining the Cardwell group are asked to visit the Red Cross website where signup forms are available at www.bit.ly/4mFb0Ae
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