Staff of the Immigration Department assists Innisfail SES
Media Release - 26 July 2006
Plans to raise $300 000 for a new Innisfail SES headquarters is a step closer today following a donation of $1140 from the staff of the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) in Canberra.
The Secretary of the department, Andrew Metcalfe, who is in Cairns today opening the department’s new offices, presented a cheque to Cairns SES group leader Mr Jie Spence, (representing Innisfail SES).
‘We know very well that the people of Innisfail and surrounding areas have been through a very rough time as a result of Cyclone Larry,’ Mr Metcalfe said.
‘Even though Canberra is a long way from Innisfail, we wanted local people to know we are thinking of them as they rebuild their lives and businesses after one of the most powerful cyclones to ever hit Queensland.
‘We know from talking with people in the Innisfail area that the SES needs a new headquarters and equipment, and we thought the proceeds of the raffle would be a good way to show practical support for the local community.’
Mr Metcalfe said that he knew that his department, particularly its Cairns office had developed an excellent working relationship with people in the Innisfail community over many years, including working with local businesses on initiatives such as the working holiday visa and helping refugees make the area their home.
‘Local DIMA officers tell me that Innisfail is a good example of a community working together to get back to some sort of normality after a devastating natural disaster,’ Mr Metcalfe said.
‘I am delighted that our staff in Canberra have reached out to the Innisfail community in this way,’ he added.
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