Significant flooding occurred in many areas of Queensland during late December 2010 and early January 2011. Thousands of residents were affected. A disaster relief appeal, the 'Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal', was launched on 29 December 2010, by Premier of Queensland, Anna Bligh. DSM recognizes the efforts of Queenslanders who pitched in to help their fellow citizens clean-up in the wake of the floods and help families in need, many of whom lost everything.
In May of 2010 DSM announced the signing of agreements to enter a partnership with the Australian Governments (Queensland State Government and the Commonwealth of Australia) to design, build and operate the first major Australia-based mammalian biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility, which will be located in Brisbane. Currently under construction the facility will be located on the Princess Alexandra Hospital Campus, 5.5 kilometers from the center of Brisbane. Karen King, President of DSM Biologics commented, "We are extremely concerned about the effects of the severe flooding in Queensland and the need for support of those impacted."
Professor Peter Gray, Director of the Australian Institute of Bioengineering & Nanotechnology which is based in Queensland, visited DSM soon after the flooding. According to Professor Gray, "The relief appeal will make a significant difference by helping many in need as Queensland battles to recover from the flooding. I am delighted to have DSM among our supporters." Alexander Wessels, President and CEO, DSM Pharmaceutical Products, stated, "As a responsible corporate citizen around the world, DSM is committed to the communities in which we work and live. This is our humble gesture to aid those in need through the auspices of the Premier's appeal."
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