A group of Australians who survived the Samoa tsunami returned to Brisbane on Thursday aboard an AusAid-chartered flight with nothing but the clothes they were wearing.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said the 26 survivors - 25 Australian citizens and one permanent resident - had no major injuries and would be met by Department of Communities staff when their flight arrived about 3.45pm (AEST).

"These Australians returning this afternoon I'm advised are unharmed, but have little more than the clothes they are standing up in as a result of the devastation experienced," Ms Bligh told reporters.

Queensland is leading Australia's response to the Samoan tsunami, with 20 medicos already in the region, and 100 medical, police and rescue personnel on stand-by for deployment.

A plane with more than 17 tonnes of medical and relief supplies is set to depart at 9pm on Thursday evening.

The team on stand-by consists of 70 search and rescue personnel, 20 medicos and 20 police victim identification officers.

Ms Bligh on Thursday launched the Premier's Department Relief Appeal with a $500,000 donation.

Donations can be made at any major bank.

They will be distributed to Samoa, as well as victims of the Indonesian earthquakes and Typhoon Ketsana, which has devastated the Philippines and Vietnam.

Ms Bligh on Thursday held an emotional meeting with leaders of Brisbane's large Samoan communities.

"The Samoan community is hurting," she said.

"This is a very important part of our local community, and Samoa is a small country. So many many locals here have family and friends who they already know have lost their lives, who are seriously injured, or have lost their homes and their livelihood."

Before the meeting, Voice of Samoa president John Pale told reporters his community was grateful for the support.

"People are still in a state of shock," Mr Pale said.

"At this point in time they're more concerned, especially in the villages that have been devastated, looking for more bodies and people.

"They haven't started to think outside of that circle.

"They are still in shock, over there and over here too."

While Queensland is not yet planning to send personnel to the southeast Asian typhoon and earthquake disasters, the government has made available free translation and counselling services through its 13HEALTH hotline.

Queensland Red Cross director Geoff Goebels urged people to call that number for help rather than the Red Cross. He also said it was too early to make food and clothing donations.

"It's most important that the essential relief goes over first, that we don't fill up aeroplanes with things that aren't needed," Mr Goebels said.

"Cash is the most important thing from our experience in the first instance."

Ipswich City Council, an area with a large Samoan population, has donated $10,000 to the appeal.

Mayor Paul Pisasale, who in 2007 was given the title of Samoan high chief, said his thoughts were with those who were still waiting for news from relatives.

"A number of our local community members are from the southern part of the main island which was hit hardest by the tsunami," Mr Pisasale said.

The City of Logan, which has an estimated 25,000-strong population of Pacific islanders, is planning a relief concert for later this month.