Slater in quest to help home town

Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater has pledged his support for his home town of Innisfail that has been devastated by Cyclone Larry, tearing through the township and the surrounding areas.

The cyclone has destroyed homes and wiped out the banana growing industry. Estimates suggest as many as 4,000 people will be out of work.

Slater’s parents escaped the carnage as their brick home was built only three years ago and was able to withstand the storm’s fury. However, many older homes and buildings have been destroyed, including schools and shops.

In the aftermath of the cyclone, Slater is concerned for the residents of his home town.

“There are 4000 people that don’t have jobs any more and people who have lost their houses in the cyclone,” said Slater.

“It upsets me when you look at pictures of the town you grew up in and see it destroyed.”

Many businesses, sporting organisations and high profile people are setting up relief funds to assist the people of Innisfail and as a local sports star, Slater will be doing his bit as well.

“This is something I’ve raised and am very interested in doing. Obviously I want to make sure it’s properly organised so it best helps the people affected,” said Slater.

“When we’ve set everything up and it’s ready to go, we’ll make announcement detailing how people can assist.”

For more information on how the public can assist with Billy’s efforts, continue to check the Melbourne Storm website.