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EA Steps in to Support Members

Published on Thursday, January 13, 2011 in 2011 Queensland Floods

 

 
Flooding at Bev & John Edwards' Jaybee Farm

Equestrian Australia recognises the severity and enormity of the current flood crisis and would like to extend its support in every way possible.

With thousands of members currently affected EA is focussed on their plight.

“EA extends its condolences to the families and friends of all those who have so tragically lost their lives in this most extensive flooding we have seen in our lifetimes” said Mr Paul Cargill, Equestrian Australia President, “Our deepest sympathies are with those many thousands who have been caught up in this tragedy, and especially those sympathies go out to our members in Queensland and now northern NSW who are suffering and have perhaps lost their beloved horses in these treacherous floods.” 
The Lockyer Valley is one of the worst affected areas and home to a large number of Equestrian Queensland members. “It’s a horrific situation up here,” said Vic Nichols, Chair of Equestrian Queensland and Committee member, “the devastation is hard to comprehend and in the coming weeks it will become apparent at just how dire this situation is.”
 “The Lockyer Valley is a very densely populated horse region,” he said “and a majority of our members come from this area.”
 “Road access is very limited, many roads are closed. Even when the water goes down the roads need to be checked before they are opened as many have significant damage and are not safe,” explained Natalie.  “Communication is also very difficult. Mobile coverage by some carriers has been restricted to emergency calls. In many areas power is cut so people can not charge their phones,” she added.
Whilst it is still unknown exactly what will be required in the aftermath of this disaster, we are aware that critical issues for horse owners include housing, transport, veterinary and feed for horses.  It is our aim that by centralising our efforts we can make a significant contribution. 
“The EA National office and its Branches will work together”, Mr Cargill assured. “We will provide a coordinated relief and support effort to help the members and horse owners throughout this crisis and I have today announced that EA through its National Office and the Queensland Branch has established a Floods Relief Committee to be chaired by EA Deputy Chair, Ms Natalie Nichols, a resident of the Sunshine Coast’s, Logan Village, (Qld).   Its charter is to coordinate EA’s relief efforts.” 
Ms Nichols has already set up a web site to serve as a central point of reference to all those in need of help as well as those wanting to provide assistance. She says that the site will have advice and recommendations regarding veterinary, insurance and other relevant topics. The site is www.eqflood2011.com.au
EA also proposes to set up a special Equine Disaster Relief Fund and is in the course of establishing the bank account into which donations can be made. The Fund will be run under the auspices of Equestrian Australia and the EA Board will release a statement of intent regarding the administration of the Fund and the use of donations as soon as possible.
“At this stage money would be the best thing to donate as it can be used in whichever way is most needed and we have pulled out all stops to assess the impacts and get the account in place so all our members can contribute to their fellow members in their time of need. Of course, horse welfare is of particular concern as we have been hearing horrific stories as well as seeing footage of great heroism as far as saving horses is concerned,” said Ms Nichols.
While many people want to donate second hand items, logistics and access are going to be a huge problem and it is best to let the people on the ground determine what is need and then provide the necessary cash support or arrange for others to provide practical support. Mr Cargill felt that the needs of impacted members would change over time and he said that he was confident that the Committee would be alert to this. 
Finally Mr Cargill noted that the CEO Grant Baldock was already in contact with Federal authorities to ensure that just as it was in the EI crisis three years ago, EA and the affected Branches are active participants in the relief effort centred around horses and horse owners and impacted equine related businesses.
Members of the Floods Relief Committee are Ms Natalie Nichols, Deputy Chair of EA, as committee Chair, CEO of EA, Mr Grant Baldock, Mr Vic Nichols, Chair of Equestrian Queensland and Dr Derek Major, Chair of Equestrian NSW. Dr Major is also a prominent equine Vet, and a resident of Sydney’s Hawkesbury River Valley, has extensive experience of treatment and care of horses in flood situations. Other members will be co-opted on an “as required” basis.
We will post updated information on the flood impacts and the relief effort on the EA flood web site as it comes in.
Other Links
  Equestrian Qld Flood Assistance website

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