By Andrew Starke
The Queensland and NSW hotel industries have launched a Flood Relief Appeal aimed at raising funds to assist with flood assistance and recovery activities for those Queenslanders suffering from the flood devastation.
The Queensland Hotels Association (QHA) will run a state-wide appeal, in conjunction with an Australia-wide appeal conducted by all State branches of the Australian Hotels Association (AHA).
The industry body has also offered assistance and advice to publicans affected by the disaster through its website, which also carries information on how suppliers have been impacted and gaming services updates from the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR).
The QHA continued trying to contact hotels in flooded regions to confirm their status over the weekend but have not yet been able to reach some hotels.
Tips on cleaning up venues are also available from Brian Kelly, a licensee during the Katherine floods of 1998, by clicking here.
QHA president Tom McGuire said that there was overwhelming support amongst hotel patrons and licensees to help their fellow Queenslanders.
“Hotels are the heart of every Australian community, and we pride ourselves in looking after those who are in strife,” he said.
“The scale of this disaster is such that every dollar raised will be put to good use and help those who are in the most need.
“There are more than 1,300 hotels in Queensland, and 7,000 in Australia and I am very confident that we can make a significant contribution.
“The ALH Group of hotels has already set the standard by donating $250,000, so now the race is on to raise the bar.
NSW operations manager for the ALH Group Paul Cooper said the group had also commenced fundraising in most states in conjunction with the AHA.
“The flooding in Queensland has had a devastating effect on the State,” said ALH Group CEO Bruce Mathieson.
“Through our close involvement in local Queensland communities, ALH directly feels the impact, including on our staff and patrons, at this time.
“In addition to our $250,000 donation, all of our Queensland ALH Hotels have commenced local activities to support those in need of assistance.”
The QHA and AHA Queensland Flood Relief Appeal will continue in venues until Australia Day and many hotels will be holding special events in support of the effort.
Collection buckets have also started to appear in hotels across NSW as hoteliers aim to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for flood-affected Queenslanders by Australia Day.
AHA (NSW) CEO Sally Fielke said the flood devastation in Queensland and parts of northern NSW had affected the entire nation.
“This is a national catastrophe and AHA (NSW) obviously wants to do what it can to help,” she said.
“No contribution is too small – we have millions of people going through NSW hotels each week and if everyone contributes we can really make a difference.
“We are also encouraging NSW publicans to match $1 for $1 the donations of their patrons.”
The NSW (AHA) Queensland Flood Relief Appeal will also continue until hotel closing times on Australia Day.