Volunteer Agent Register Launched To Assist With Floods Recovery

Media Release – 13 January 2011

2.45pm

First National Real Estate has launched an internal National Volunteers Register for its 400 plus office network to assist its flood affected members to deal with the anticipated deluge of assistance sought by tenants living in rental properties.

‘As the Queensland floodwaters begin to recede, real estate agents will be swamped with calls for assistance from thousands of tenants living in rental properties damaged or destroyed by rising water,’ First National Chief Executive Ray Ellis said.

‘As well as responding to the needs of our customers, we will also be grappling with the dislocation caused to own businesses, either as a direct result of flood damage to computers and records, or as a result of the same sorts of staffing issues that will affect many Queensland businesses in the days and weeks to come.’

The network also launched a national Australian Floods Appeal last week, using its First National Foundation which supports Red Cross Emergency Services.

The purpose of the National Volunteers Register is to identify which other members within First National’s network are able to contribute resources in support of recovery efforts in the hardest hit offices such as Dalby, Toowoomba, Toowong, Oxley, Ipswich, Gracemere, and many Brisbane suburban offices.

‘We anticipate that once our tenants are able to return to their homes, our property managers in flood affected regions will come under extraordinary pressure’ Ray Ellis said.

‘Some of our property managers will face astronomical challenges finding trades people to help with the enormous clean up and repair tasks. There may also be additional challenges posed by issues of electrical safety, structural stability, health threats or problems such as insurance companies who may refuse to pay claims as a result of rising water damage’.

Using the register, First National will be able to direct the expertise of property managers and estate agents in unaffected offices to where it will be of greatest help to customers in expediting their recovery.

Given that some First National offices are currently dealing with power outages, equipment losses, or staff are simply cut off from their place of work, First National Real Estate has provided a 24-hour emergency hotline for tenants in flood damaged properties who cannot reach their local First National member.

Tenants seeking help should contact Network Property Manager, Dahlene Qama, on 1800 032 332.

‘We’re doing everything we can think of to support our agents in the process of supporting our customers’ said Ray Ellis.

‘The camaraderie shown by the members and staff of our network has been exceptional throughout this crisis. Our flood affected agents have received calls of support from our real estate agents nationally and our call for donations to the First National Foundation’s Australian Floods Appeal is rapidly raising funds.

‘While there are multiple organisations now fund raising, First National Foundation has pledged to give all the funds it raises in this appeal to Red Cross Emergency Services so the money gets straight to where it is most effective, the response and recovery efforts’ Ray Ellis said.

The First National Foundation Australian Floods Appeal has raised over $18,000 in the past 24 hours but the network is calling for more donations in support of Red Cross Emergency Services.

Donations can be made to First National Foundation’s Australian Floods Appeal by visiting www.firstnationalrealestate.com.au

- copy ends -

Issued by: First National Real Estate

For further information contact National Communications Manager, Stewart Bunn from First National Real Estate on 1800 032 332 or 0413 624 317