Community Partner Story – ADRA Townsville

For many years, Foodbank Queensland has proudly supported the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in their mission to help Queenslanders in need. Through our partnership, we provide food and essential groceries to 16 ADRA locations across the state, enabling their dedicated teams to deliver vital support to individuals and families doing it tough. 

Every Friday, the ADRA Townsville team opens its doors for a weekly community pantry – supporting more than 800 people with food relief and kindness. But their work doesn’t stop at food. They’ve expanded to offer a full suite of wraparound services, including haircuts with Hair Aid, social work support, Orange Sky Laundry, RSPCA services, an op shop and Clothing To The Community through Thread Together, and even a book exchange. Their holistic approach creates a safe and welcoming space for people doing it tough. 

As the designated disaster preparedness hub for the region, ADRA Townsville plays a critical role in emergency response. When floods devastated the North Queensland region, the hub was activated, and ADRA quickly stepped in to provide vital aid. 

“When the floods hit, the impact was swift and overwhelming,” said Pr Laufili Joseph Ah-You, ADRA Director. Rain led to widespread flooding, cutting off roads, inundating homes, and disrupting essential services like power and water. For many residents, it was a time of fear and uncertainty. Families were forced to evacuate with little to no warning, while others found themselves stranded by rising floodwaters. 

Thanks to pre-positioned Disaster Response Kits provided in partnership with Foodbank Queensland, ADRA was able to act immediately. Residents received hygiene and toiletry kits, clean-up supplies, food hampers and water – critical support for those displaced from their homes. 

“Having food and essential supplies pre-positioned through our partnership with Foodbank meant we could act immediately,” Pr Laufili said. “We were able to deliver these supplies directly to two key evacuation centres – Heatley and North Ward – ensuring families and individuals had access to food, water, and hygiene products from the outset. It was a vital support that eased immediate pressure and brought hope.” 

As the emergency intensified, support was extended beyond Townsville. Additional truckloads of food and essential supplies were sent to Ingham and Palm Island by Foodbank Queensland with support from the SES. These critical deliveries extended the reach of the response to remote and isolated communities that had been severely impacted, helping to ensure that no one was left behind. Additional food and essential supplies were transported by ferry to Palm Island, by barge to Lucinda, and by helicopter to Halifax, enabling access to communities cut off by floodwaters, ensure that no one was left behind. 

Among many powerful moments during the response, one in particular stood out for Pr Laufili, “At the Heatley evacuation centre, we witnessed a moving moment. Red Cross staff and other volunteers expressed their deep appreciation, noting how the relief food had truly benefited the people there. One volunteer shared, ‘Thank you – for the timely needed food.’ Their gratitude reflected the heartfelt appreciation of families who had lost so much yet felt seen and supported.” 

ADRA and Foodbank Queensland responded rapidly, staying in constant communication to coordinate drop-offs and organise volunteer teams despite access challenges and ongoing coordination demands.  The response wasn’t without challenges – road closures created access issues, and careful planning was needed to ensure supplies reached the right places. But with the dedication of volunteers and the strength of local community networks, these hurdles were successfully overcome. “The sense of unity and purpose across agencies and churches was truly uplifting,” Pr Laufili said. 

The impact of the response went far beyond meeting immediate needs. Pr Laufili shared, “We heard words like ‘relief,’ ‘hope,’ and ‘unexpected blessing’ repeatedly from families.” For many, the parcels delivered during the floods were more than just food – they were a lifeline. “For many, these parcels weren’t just about food – they brought dignity and stability in a time of chaos.” Parents expressed heartfelt gratitude that their children had something to eat during such an uncertain time, and elderly residents were deeply moved by the personal contact and kindness that accompanied the deliveries. 

Looking ahead, this experience has left a legacy of resilience. “The food relief didn’t just help people survive the immediate aftermath – it gave them a foundation to begin recovery,” Pr Laufili recalled. The response strengthened trust within the community and reinforced how critical it is to be prepared for future emergencies. It also sparked reflection on how coordinated efforts can make a lasting difference. “I believe it has built stronger relationships and a renewed spirit of resilience within our communities.” 

“Foodbank Queensland is incredibly grateful for the dedication and compassion ADRA shows to their community – not just every week, but especially during times of crisis,” said Megan McBaron, Regional and Remote Engagement Manager at Foodbank Queensland. “Working side by side with ADRA during the North Queensland floods showed just how powerful our partnership can be. Together, we were able to reach people in their moment of greatest need with food, support, and hope.” 

If you are in a position to help Foodbank Queensland provide more food across the state to support Queenslanders in need, please consider joining the fight against hunger as a regular giver.