Townsville HHS expands support for residents still struggling after 2025 floods

More support is available for north Queenslanders still struggling from the mental and emotional impacts of last year’s floods.

The Townsville Hospital and Health Service have launched, with help from the Commonwealth and State governments, the Disaster Recovery Team to offer mental health support to victims of the weather event.

During February last year, up to two metres of rain fell across some parts of north Queensland, leading to major flooding in communities like Ingham.

Team leader Sara O’Reilly said that nearly 18 months later, some people were still feeling the impacts of the 2025 flood.

“While communities are highly resilient, the stress of ongoing recovery can push people towards a crisis point,” Ms O’Reilly said.

“Natural disasters are mass traumatic events.

“People might manage fine through years of disasters, but a new event, piled on top of life changes or insurance stresses, can cause someone to struggle.

“Intervening early means we can provide support before it reaches a crisis point.”

The multi-disciplinary team features mental health clinicians, doctors, administrative support, and dedicated peer workers.

Ms O’Reilly said the service bridged the gap between immediate disaster responses and acute crisis services.

“While people can refer themselves to us, we don’t just wait for them to come,” she said.

“We have been actively coordinating with local disaster management groups, neighbourhood centres, and non-government organisations to embed ourselves in impacted areas like the Burdekin, Flinders, Hinchinbrook, and Palm Island communities.

“Collaboration is the key to our success.

“Mental health following a natural disaster is just as important as cleaning up debris or fixing the foundations of a house.

“Having these dedicated resources highlights that wellness of the mind dictates how we function in society, maintain our relationships, and return to work.”

The service is free, does not require a formal mental health diagnosis, and can be agency or self-referred.

Impacted community members can access the team via their GP or by reaching out to the team on (07) 4433 2730 and TSV-MH-Disaster-Recovery@health.qld.gov.au.