💵 Redlands seeks cyclone funding
Urgent local blood donations needed | Skype permanently shut down | SES Redlands in action | Disaster relief for Redland City | McDonald's loses global crown to Mixue and more
Today's newsletter is 1,015 words, a 5-minute read.
Welcome back to another RCM Thursday; this time, it’s a much calmer Thursday, March 13.
Thank goodness that wild week is over, and we hope everyone managed to get through unscathed as much as possible or at least get through to the cleanup or the support they needed.
We’ll be happy if we never see another cyclone again.!
In today's email:
One Big Thing: Redlands seeks urgent cyclone funding
Urgent blood donations: Needed after Alfred
Disaster relief for Redlands: after Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred
Trending: Check out how long this line is at Cleveland Coles 🛒
Around the Web (Snippets): Queensland mum gave birth amid Cyclone Alfred, Microsoft shutting down Skype in May, Google DeepMind unveils new controlling robots and heaps more
Upcoming Events
Redlands Weather Forecast and Tides
Live National Housing Price Index
The Weekly Dream Gig
This week -Myhorizon in Capalaba is hiring an NDIS Supported Accommodation Service Coordinator to lead teams, support participants, and drive positive outcomes. Earn $97,377–$101,783/year, plus salary packaging, training, and café discounts!
If you’re a strong leader with NDIS knowledge and a passion for making a difference and help create connected communities - Apply now!✨
Need to advertise a job? Contact us here👇
1. One Big Thing: Redlands seeks urgent cyclone funding
What’s Happening: After Tropical Cyclone Alfred, local MPs are calling for federal and state disaster recovery funding to restore power and repair damage.
Why It Matters: Funding is crucial for recovery and strengthening resilience against future disasters.
By the Numbers
Hundreds of thousands were without power and phone services for lengthy periods of time
Flooded sporting grounds, including Capalaba Bulldogs and Warriors fields need attention
Island communities faced extended outages
Local Impact: Residents on Southern Moreton Bay Islands, North Stradbroke, and Coochiemudlo, in particular, continue to face power outages and business disruptions.
What’s Next:
More at the full article, below👇
2. Urgent blood donations needed after Alfred
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has issued an urgent call for blood and plasma donations in Brisbane following critical shortages caused by ex-Cyclone Alfred.
The cyclone led to the closure of 22 donor centres across Queensland and northern NSW, resulting in 3,500 cancelled appointments. To restore supply, at least 650 additional Brisbane donors are needed immediately, with donor centres in Brisbane City, Chermside, Springwood, and Carindale extending appointment availability.
The demand is pressing, as Australian hospitals require 4,000 blood donations daily, and platelets—essential for cancer treatments and trauma care—expire within just five days.
While interstate support has helped Queensland hospitals, fresh donations are vital. Lifeblood urges new and returning donors to book appointments via their website, the Donate Blood app, or by calling 13 14 95.
Read more in the full article below 👇
3. Disaster relief for Redlands after Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred
What’s Happening: Redland City residents affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred can now apply for government financial aid, including AGDRP and Queensland Government grants.
🔗 Australian Government Disaster Support
Why It Matters: The cyclone caused significant damage, leaving many without essential services, and this aid provides immediate support for recovery.
By the Numbers
$1,000 per adult, $400 per child for serious damage or injury.
Up to $80,000 for uninsured homeowners.
$150 - $750 for loss of power, water, or sewerage over five days.
Local Impact: Funding helps residents rebuild homes, restore essential services, and cover urgent expenses.
Relief is Here: Residents are encouraged to claim their AGDRP payments via myGov: 🔗 myGov Login
If additional financial hardship assistance is required, residents can also contact:
📞 Australian Government Emergency Information Line – 180 22 66
To change or pause Centrelink debt repayments, affected people can do so online or in the mobile app (through the Money you owe service), or they can call
📞 Centrelink Debt Repayment Assistance – 1800 076 072
What The People Say: “Recovery takes time, and this is one of many payments available.” – Katy Gallagher
What to Look For Next
More areas may become eligible.
Updates available via Services Australia & Queensland Government.
Apply now to access funds quickly.
🔗 Apply for Disaster Assistance
4. Trending
The @redlandcityminute Instagram..
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Queensland mum welcomed baby Theodora: At Mater Mothers’ Hospital just minutes after arriving—amid Cyclone Alfred.
Google DeepMind unveils new: AI models for controlling robots
The Governor of Queensland visited Redlands Coast: To assess cyclone recovery efforts and discuss the region’s future needs.
This map lets you plug in your address to see how it’s: Changed over the past 750 million years
Witnessing SES Redlands in action: a young boy and his family experienced firsthand the dedication of our local emergency responders.
A soldier from Redlands, Private Carter Fredericks: is back home with the 6th Battalion, helping Queensland recover from the storm.
US To Spend Money Researching Heavily Debunked Link Between: Vaccines And Autism
Skype, once the go-to video-calling service, is going to internet: Heaven in May with parent company Microsoft shutting it down to focus on ‘Teams’
Bringing innovation to Redland City: MultiMatch merges fitness, interactive gameplay, and inclusivity in a unique sports experience.
McDonald’s loses its crown as the world's biggest: Fast-food chain to global giant Mixue Bingcheng
6. Upcoming Events
🎷 An evening with Murphy’s Pigs: March 14, Enjoy a night of toe-tapping, singalong entertainment by the 12-piece Celtic ensemble, joined on stage by the Cape Byron Celtic Dance Troupe.
🎭 The Traveling Wilburys Collection: March 15, The Traveling Wilburys Collection brings together the collective talents, excitement and magic that the originals had to offer — live on stage, like never before!
🏒 Redlands Hockey Association Registration: March 19, Grass Hockey for all ages. Saturday competition all in the same venue with the chance for all to play Representative Level Hockey.
⛳ 2025 Board Chair's Golf Day: March 21, Tee off with the new Board Chair, Mr Benjamin O'Bree, at the Board Chair's Golf Day on Friday, March 21 2025, at the Carbrook Golf Club.