News & Insights

In 2022, a rare combination of weather events collided to cause record-breaking extreme flooding in New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland (QLD). La Niña is a complex system, which causes seawater in the eastern Pacific Ocean to be unexpectedly cold and commonly results in severe rainfall. 

With up to 2,000 homes lost across the east coast of Australia, tens of thousands of people without power, and others forced out of an already competitive rental market, the situation has become extremely challenging. People are seeking both guidance and support in how best to respond quickly to flood-impacted properties and businesses. 

To assist people navigating the general safety risks following a flood, Greencap developed a Flood Response page, including a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section, as a first point of contact for people seeking information and assistance.

Flood clean up does not end with water receding. Risks of mould, asbestos and other hazardous materials exposure can also increase. Thus, there was a high demand for this information, shown through high traffic to the website after publication. 

Greencap’s active Community Engagement Committee asked ‘how can we help make a difference?’ and two streams of charitable giving were identified. Firstly, Greencap created a funds matching initiative for team members, family, friends and clients through GIVIT – a foundation directly donating money and items to the most vulnerable people and communities. Secondly, the Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation (ALNF) (ALNF) organised to directly help children affected by the floods by creating 25 back to school packs to assist children and young people in getting back on their feet that includes stationery, backpacks, drink bottles and more. Greencap funded this initiative through an IT equipment recycling program with the IT provider Blue Connections. From these two initiatives, Greencap raised just under $5,000 to donate.

The floods are not over. The heavy rain blasting the affected areas again recently are a reminder that people and communities will need ongoing assistance, and the rebuild will take time.

“We know that early action following flooding is critical to minimise ensuing mould risk, but recognise that the scale of the damage can feel overwhelming,” says Phoebe Gane, National Practice Lead – Health & Safety. 

“We wanted to provide an informative resource to help communities effectively navigate the clean-up process and protect their properties and possessions,” she added. 

If you would like to help, go to the GIVIT website, or the ALNF website, where every small amount helps. All donations over $2 are tax deductible. 

About GIVIT

GIVIT’s purpose is to match generosity to real need through an online platform, inspire an online network of givers, and to meet society’s needs in an environmentally sustainable way. 

Donations to GIVIT’s Storms and Flooding Appeal, and are used to purchase essential items and services for affected people and communities. GIVIT also buys locally to support the economic recovery of impacted regions when possible.

About the Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation (ALNF) 

The ALNF believes all Australian’s have the right to literacy, because being able to read and write is the key to accessing education and employment, and to participate fully in society. 

The ALNF raises funds to continue to develop, implement and sustain innovative literacy programs for individuals, families and communities.

The Greencap response to the floods is an example of living our purpose ‘Making Our World Safer’ through our sustainability plan through using the team’s expertise, corporate and personal giving to provide much needed assistance to fellow Australians in their time of need.