The Queenslander Effect – From Mud Army to Care Army

There is always a sense of pride and community when it comes to Queenslanders. You just need to think about the State of Origin and how every Queenslander gets behind it, every year, regardless of if they like NRL or not!  It comes as no surprise this morning as Premier Anastacia Palaszczuk called out to her Queenslanders to become part of the Care Army. Their job you ask? To protect our most vulnerable in the community, the Queensland government have opened up a hotline for those who are willing and able to volunteer to guard the health and wellbeing of one million seniors in the Queensland local community who have been asked to stay home to stay safe amidst the coronavirus threat.

“Queensland’s community spirit always shines through in times of crisis, as it did when the Mud Army went into action after the 2011 floods,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“The Care Army may operate differently because of health and safety restrictions, but the spirit and effect remain the same.

“Many seniors will, of course, be supported by family, but others will need volunteers and community service organisations to help them stay home and stay safe and with things such as food or medicine drops.

“Even something as simple as a daily telephone call can make a huge difference.”

If you are twiddling your thumbs during self-isolation and live in Queensland, pick up the phone and call the Queensland Government Community Recovery Hotline – 1800 173 349 and they will be able to register your interest and match you with someone in your local area. From grocery drop-offs to pharmacy pick-ups or a daily telephone call, your volunteered kindness will keep our most vulnerable alive and away from the virus as well as beat the loneliness that some of them may experience during this isolation period. Who knows, you may meet a wonderful new friend out of this experience!