Staff from Victoria and Queensland are travelling to the Territory to support local staff in two Darwin evacuation centers, and to open a third child friendly space in Katherine.
Cyclone Trevor made landfall along the Northern Territory coast about 100km south of Borroloola as a category four cyclone this morning. Damaging winds and more rain is expected as the weather system heads inland in the coming days.
Save the Children’s Northern Territory Manager Noelene Swanson said child friendly spaces have been an essential part of this recovery effort.
“Our two child friendly spaces have hosted more than a hundred children since setting up on Friday, with kids making the most of the toys, games and activity to entertain themselves while they wait to return home.
“Children are always among the most vulnerable during emergency situations and the importance of keeping kids stimulated and happy while they are in these uncertain situations cannot be underestimated.”
Save the Children will open a third child friendly space at the Katherine showgrounds tomorrow.
“Our team is very pleased to be offering a new child friendly space in Katherine and looks forward to welcoming children and their families throughout the day.
“We are also incredibly humbled by the generous support of many Territory businesses and individuals who have donated goods, including toys, books and linen. The community spirit of the Top End really shines in times of crisis and this has been no exception,” Ms Swanson said.
It is estimated that there are 1000 people residing across these three evacuation centers. Weather pending, repatriation efforts for Groot Eyelandt residents is scheduled to begin on Sunday.
Save the Children works across the Northern Territory including on Groot Eylandt, Wadeye, Katherine and Darwin. Save the Children has a long history responding to emergencies in Australia, including the Tasmanian bushfires and Townsville floods earlier this year.
For interviews, call Jess Brennan in Darwin on 0421 334 918.