For John Price and his cattle dog cross Tike, the evacuation centre based at CQUniversity in Rockhampton has been a real blessing.

As the waters began to surround his home in the now flood inundated suburb of Depot Hill, John made the call to leave his home with his dog and set up residence in the University's Sports Complex a few days ago.

John Price and his dog Tike are thankful for the accommodation at CQUniversity's Sports Complex.As one of the first to arrive at the evacuation centre, set up by the Red Cross, John believes he could also be one of the last to leave.

"The house was still high and dry when we left but the roads were getting cut off and we were going to be stranded. I knew we had to get out while we can."

Tike has taken up a comfortable kennel at the RSPCA's makeshift pet rescue station set up on the University's covered basketball courts just a few metres behind the Sports Complex where John has a bed alongside 120 other flood victims.

Tike is one of more than 70 pets being housed at the University which has facilities for cats, dogs, birds and even a snail at one stage.

RSPCA's Executive Manager of Animal Focus Sheila Collecott said the facility has been a life saver for so many loved companions, although they hope to be able to access volunteers to foster some animals as the disaster worsens.

"We have had to rescue pets every day and have had four rescues this morning alone," Ms Collecott said.

She said the animals were all doing well and all had received mandatory vaccinations.

The CQUniversity's Sports Complex has been transformed into Rockhampton's Evacuation Centre.Although the pet facility is in close proximity to the evacuation centre, two pet owners had opted to bed beside their beloved pets - showing how important these animals are to their owners.

Meanwhile, at the air conditioned Sports Complex people have been well looked after with up to 6 meals a day served by the dedicated Salvation Army volunteers.

Mr Price said the facility and the support from the Red Cross, Salvos, Lifeline and other community volunteers had been excellent.

University tennis courts and grounds had been made available for evacuees, large televisions had been set up and the Salvos were running shuttles to the shopping centres. The arrival of a large container of footballs and soccer balls from Bunnings were also quick to be used.

Although numbers evacuating to the centre was bound to rise, numbers were not expected to exceed 200. According to a Red Cross spokesperson, the facility was able to accommodate up to 1500 people if things took a turn for the worse.

Although evacuees thoughts were never far from their water logged homes this week, community spirit and camaraderie seemed to be helping many through this tough time. 

The sleeping quarters inside CQUniversity's Sports Complex. 
The Salvation Army arranges outings for the flood victims.