A philanthropic group called the Minderoo Foundation are hoping to help revitalise The Sands at Gympie in the wake of the 2022 Floods and to do it, they are sending in ‘The Corps’.
The Australian Resilience Corps (The Corps) is a national volunteer network established in November 2021 by the Minderoo Foundation and founding partner NRMA Insurance.
Clare Alexander, Muster Officer at the Australian Resilience Corps said The Corps connects volunteers to where help is needed most, working with and through existing community-led and non-government organisations to help communities prepare for natural threats, like fires and floods, before they occur.
“Musters are preparedness activities that take place as nominated by communities to reduce the risk of fire or flood in the future in an exposed area,” she said.
“The Mary River flooded over the course of the three back-to-back floods between 2022-23 and caused significant damage to sections of the trail along the riverfront at Gympie including washing away the entire recreation area at The Sands Park, which has been closed for almost a year.”
She said The Sands is an important part of the Gympie identity.
“Communities that are resilient are socially connected and have central meeting places where they can come together and feel a sense of belonging.
“Locals have not had access to swim during summer, walk along the riverbanks, and use the space and walk for their fitness and mental health.
“The local council worked hard after the flooding events and reopened some of the sections of the walk,” she said.
But more help to restore the area and make it more resilient in the future is needed.
“The section known as ‘The Sands Park’ will be reopened once the rebuilding of the carpark and walking trails and access to the river for swimming is safely restored.”
No strangers to Musters here at Gympie, there will be a different type of mustering, that of volunteers, businesses and more to help with the restoration.
“To support the community, The Corps will be mustering for three days from 15-17 May, with local businesses and corporate partners to support the restoration and rebuilding of The Sands Park,” she said.
“This will include planting up to 3000 flood resistant trees, clearing weeds and restoring paths to reduce the risk of impact from future floods and enable the local community to come together and enjoy this public place again,” Ms Alexander said.
Anyone keen to help with the ‘Mary River Sands Musters’ can register online at www.resiliencecorps.org.au/musters.
