ADAM Chanter was helping the Lismore community during the 2019 floods disaster when he witnessed first hand what an organised group of residents can achieve in times of emergency.
He watched and admired the selfless work of the Lismore Mud Army as he dropped off donations from Scenic Rim residents for their southern neighbours.
The group and their dedication inspired Adam to form a similar community volunteer group in his home town of Tamborine Mountain in 2023.
The volunteers he recruited are now banded together under the name of “Chainsaw Warriors” and they currently boast more than 70 members.
“I didn’t just arrive back from the Lismore floods to start our group it was when I saw the need for volunteers during the 2023 Tornado that I decided a group like the Mud Army could help locally,” Adam said.
“Since we formed we have gone into action to help more than 170 families and 40 of these callouts were the result of Ex-Cyclone Alfred this month.”
“The Chainsaw Warriors don’t just clear fallen debris as our name might suggest, we help in whatever way we can and alert the authorities if needed.
“We like to believe we are on the frontline for the local area when residents need assistance and that just might be doing a welfare check or hooking up a generator for a short while.”
Adam said members of the group reflected the entire community, young and old and with all types of skills.
The Tamborine Mountain Lions Club has provided support for the Chainsaw Warriors and donations have flowed from the community to enable them to have spare equipment on hand.
Adam said many members contributed to the success of the group and particularly mentioned Guy Johnstone, Diana Kidd, Roland Killick, Josh Wray Oli Nardi and Arran Hassell.
“They are just a few of the group who unselfishly give their time and put on their working gear in times of need,” he said.
“Importantly our team is setting an example for everyone to follow, especially our youngsters and that is we should all be helping one another rather than just helping ourselves.”
