Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I acknowledge the contribution of everyone helping drought-stricken communities in Queensland, where 80 per cent of the state are suffering. In particular, I acknowledge the Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton. Since January, the diocese has been running a drought relief appeal. So far it has raised $90,000 to help people affected by drought. On top of this, students at Catholic schools and colleges within the Rockhampton diocese have raised $10,000 towards the appeal.

Father Matthew Moloney, the parish priest at Longreach, said around 220 families have so far received drought relief packages through this appeal while a further 100 families are awaiting their package. Families who have received packages live near Birdsville, Aramac, Barcaldine, Blackall, Jericho, Longreach, Muttaburra and a number of other communities worst hit by the drought.

The Rockhampton Catholic diocese covers a huge part of central and western Queensland. At the heart of its headquarters is Rockhampton's historic St Joseph's Cathedral. It is here on May 29 that a new bishop will take up his role. Father Michael McCarthy was recently appointed the 10th Bishop of Rockhampton by Pope Francis in Rome. He is replacing long-term bishop, Brian Heenan, who retired last year.