Sumitomo Chemical has responded to the flood crisis in Queensland by making monetary contributions to a number of appeals established by the major rural retailers.

Managing Director of Sumitomo Chemical Australia said the attraction of making donations specifically via these appeals was the way they targeted regional areas, and the retailers were to be congratulated for their efforts. “After almost a decade of drought, these regions have now been hit with devastating floods, and in some cases, more than once this season,” said Mr Brookes. “Having a business built on supplying inputs to Australian farmers, and having regionally based staff, means that we are very sympathetic to the distress and hardship this situation is causing.”

The flood appeals being run by rural retailers are not only aiming to help compensate for some of the financial burden that has been caused by the flooding, they are also providing much needed counselling and support for families and individuals struggling under the strain of the situation. Mr Brookes said “One Sumitomo Chemical senior staff member is a Lifeline counsellor who has already had one deployment to the flood area. Sumitomo Chemical staff members are proud of his work, but more significantly, it helps give us an better understanding of the crucial need for this type of support”.