Gearing-up to help flood-hit town

Redcliffe Cyclones Junior Cricket Club is hoping to bring some relief to a community devastated by the recent floods in New South Wales.

Cyclones are donating and arranging delivery of cricket equipment to Forbes, in the central west of NSW.

The town was recently cut in half by floodwater, houses were inundated and some residents needed rescuing as waters rose.

“Watching the news recently, we wanted to help. We knew we had to do something,” Redcliffe Cyclones Junior Club President Neal Smith said.

“We remembered, as we were getting ready for our new season, we had some gear we no longer needed.

“It was in good condition, too good to throw away. As a committee we decided we wanted to donate this to someone who can use it.”

Though a connection, the Cyclones learned of the huge loss and damage in Forbes following floods earlier this month.

“We thought this gear may go some way to assisting them,” Mr Smith said.

One of the fathers at Cyclones arranged for the cricket gear to be shipped to Forbes, free of charge and the local council will help distribute the gear.

“We hope it will remind that community that we are thinking of them and the gear will help them get back to playing cricket soon,” Mr Smith said.

“That’s the beauty of sport - it can be a welcome distraction even for a short while.

“We will slip a little bit of Cyclones merchandise into the package for them as well and who knows, one day we may be able to get both clubs together for a game?”