RWA Flooded Communities Book Appeal

*PERMISSION TO FORWARD*

As some of you may already know, a team from the Romance Writers of Australia commitee has started a drive for book donations...

RWA Flooded Communities Book Appeal

We've all seen the devastation the recent Queensland floods have wrought and have wondered how we can help. We know that for many affected families, books will not be high on their priorities list for some time to come.

But...we also know how valuable books can be in providing time out when reality gets tough.

So…with the aid of some wonderful volunteers, we've put together a Romance Writers of Australia Flooded Communities Book Appeal.

What we need?

FICTION BOOKS! Romance books, children's books, young adult books, genre books, whatever – either new or in sparkling condition.

Please send them to:

RWA Flooded Communities Book Appeal
PO Box 1717
Noosaville Post Office
Noosaville BC
Queensland 4566
Australia

When to send them?

Now! And any time over the next few months. The books will be boxed and delivered to the appropriate libraries/schools/neighbourhood centres/community centres in batches as soon as the communities are ready to receive them. We'll be liaising with councils, libraries and schools to ensure this is done appropriately. Feel free to pop a note inside, or if you're an author, sign it.

Questions:

If you have a question about donations, email Jess Anastasi: Jess(at)jessanastasi(dot)com

If you work in a library / council / community centre / school in a flood affected area (in Australia), email Rachel Bailey: rachel(at)rachelbailey(dot)com(dot)au

Thanks for your cooperation and support!

Jess Anastasi
RWA Flooded Communities Book Appeal Team

Queensland Floods Part 2

There was a lot of relief in Brisbane yesterday when it was realised the flood peak was 1 metre (3'3") lower than expected. While this was good news, it was short-lived. There was still so much water everywhere, and so much destruction.

To give you some idea this is a street in our central business district - before the flood and during:

If I was standing in the street I would be under water.

Queensland Floods

My home state has seen a lot of water in the past few weeks. Floods have stretched nearly the entire state - 80% has been declared a disaster zone, an area twice the size of Texas and over 5 United Kingdoms. And now it is our turn.

I live in Brisbane, the capital of Queensland in the SE corner. Today they predict our flood will peak, higher than the previous highest flood of 1974. The Brisbane River runs right through the CBD (below is a photo of our central business district from then) so as you can imagine many businesses and homes are going to be affected.

Regardless of what the river does today the devestation and destruction the past two weeks of flooding have wrought on Queensland will last a long time.

My family is safe. My home is safe. I'm one of the lucky ones. My thoughts are with those who haven't been so fortunate.

If you want to donate to the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal follow this link.