April 28, 2015
Toowoomba mayor Paul Antonio has thrown his weight behind an appeal by the local Nepalese community to support their devastated homeland.
An earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale hit Nepal on Saturday morning killing at least 4000 people with thousands more injured, missing or homeless.
Mayor Antonio said he was saddened to hear of the unfolding tragedy.
“The Toowoomba region is home to around 400 Nepalese people, many of whom are students,” he said.
“They are valued members of the community and it is pleasing to see an appeal has been launched to offer help to people in real distress.”
Toowoomba’s Nepalese community includes TRC development assessment technical officer – and Nepalese Association of Toowoomba president – Amit Giri who has wasted no time in establishing a relief appeal.
Mr Giri’s family in Kathmandu is safe, but they did not escape totally unscathed.
“My sister’s house is cracked and three of my cousins have lost their houses completely,” he said.
“In this dire hour, we Nepali residing in Toowoomba have decided to collect funds and logistics to be dispatched to the affected areas.
“Our focus is on providing assistance to the rescue efforts and then on relief programs.
“Any help would be greatly appreciated, especially sleeping bags, blankets and tents. This is to help with immediate recovery work. The longer term rebuilding will take many years.”
The appeal is being organised by the Nepalese Association of Toowoomba in conjunction with the Non-Residential Nepalese Association of Australia.
Assistance can be provided in the following ways:
- Cash donations can be made to:
Nepalese Association of Toowoomba
BSB: 064 459
Account Number: 10336912
Reference: MYNEP-your name
- Logistics support:
Contact Rohini Prasad Devkota on 0410-381-772 or Alka Shrestha on 0431-310-960
