QUT staff donate to ‘flood truck’

Julie Batt helps people every day at work as a consultant on QUT's IT helpdesk- now she's turning her efforts to the people of Bundaberg.

On February 22, Julie and her husband Michael will drive a three-tonne truck up to Bundaberg with donated goods for the flood-stricken community.

Other QUT staff members and the community have already pitched in to donate items and the truck still has room for more goods.

"It has come close to me and my family as my brother lives up in Bundaberg in Bargara. Thankfully his home was not flooded and he is safe," Julie said.

"But there are so many others up there with nothing left, who are living in shelters, at friends' places, and with family, and are facing such hardship.

"My husband and I are driving up to Bundaberg to move my brother back to the Gold Coast and I thought it would be a great opportunity to bring some donations up in the truck to give to people in need."

Items in very good or excellent condition would be welcome.

Julie said the Salvation Army had advised her that bedding (linen and sheets), towels, toiletries (including baby supplies) and feminine products were particularly in need.

Donations for the Bundaberg truck run can be dropped off at V Block at Gardens Point campus or 88 Musk Avenue at Kelvin Grove campus by 3pm Friday, February 15. Please email or call Julie for more details or to arrange a drop-off time - julie.batt@qut.edu.au or 0437 210 324.

To donate money to the Queensland Floods Appeal visit www.redcross.org.au/qld-floods-2013.aspx.

Media contact: Mechelle McMahon, QUT media officer, 07 3138 9449 (Mon & Thurs) or media@qut.edu.au (Mon-Fri)