A COMMENT ON THE QUEENSLAND FLOODS
I have seen it first hand, as unfortunately my mother’s house was one of those affected. The water filled the house to just below the ceiling (this was a great relief as it could have been much worse). She didn’t save much, but, as most have discovered, the loss of ‘stuff’ pales in comparison with what could have been. Having said that, there is a longer road ahead for more people than is immediately apparent and I guess that we will find many times that we have to show patience for the delays to business and supply this will invariably cause.
However, my purpose in writing is to highlight the brilliant work the volunteers are doing.
Yesterday about 25 strangers from all over Brisbane turned up to help clear my mother’s house. They brought cleaning equipment, homemade cake and big smiles and worked so hard to get rid of the mud and debris. Others stopped by throughout the day with food and water. Locals arrived on their way home from work to pitch in. Day two of the cleanup and the same is happening – different faces, all just as eager to help.
I didn’t have the chance to photograph them all, however, there was a particular group that I did manage to capture and I would like to share a few images. On behalf of my mother and stepfather – we can’t thank you enough, the capacity of some people for kindness is literally overwhelming.
The following images were taken at my mother’s house in Sherwood, Brisbane on Friday January 14th, 2011.
For more images see here:
http://s284.photobucket.com/albums/ll27/bennhw/Queensland%20Flood/?start=180
AN UPDATE – SATURDAY 15TH JANUARY.
Today around 40 volunteers arrived during the course of the day. Their contribution was so great that the house is close to being ready (once it dries out and is electrically checked) for the rebuild. Just an amazing effort from so many generous people. A long way to go but even contemplating rebuilding would have been weeks away if we had to do it without help.
My poor stepfather (a musician and arranger) is lost without his recording studio – so that is the first project on the list. I know that seems like a weird priority considering they need things like a kitchen and bathroom and flooring and paint etc. etc. but that is what will make them feel most settled, so the studio comes first.
I may update with progress if the chance arises, well, since my partner will be doing most of the construction work, I guess I can remind him to take the camera 
.
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hurrah!! for the volunteers unsung heroes
good on you for thinking first of your stepdad
warm regards
dave and beth cleghorn
our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic disaster and it is at these times we realise what is most important. if we can help please do not hesitate to cntact us.
I’m one of Toni’s writing buddies. Please tell her the group is all devastated by her loss and ready and eager to help by supplying anything she needs. Can you ask her for a list of stuff we can supply for her? Please email me.
Thank you so much for this update. Toni is my RWA buddy. pls tell Toni I have been raising a glass to her every night since I heard (any excuse!!!). I can so relate to getting that studio happening too. My dad is an old musio and loooooves just losing himself in his little room.
Hi
I am one of Toni’s friends from the 5DI and we are all thinking of her and sending her our most positive thoughts.
The pictures show the extent of the flooding so well and the volunteers and all their hard work are amazing.
In New Zealand we get a media slant on the Queensland flooding but it is the human angle that really brings it all home and you have showed this.
Can you give your mum all my love and tell her we are thinking of her and creativity is something everyone needs after a disaster to get through to the other side…. so yay to the studio first!!!
Annie Featherstone xx
Thank you to everyone who has sent their good wishes and the many offers of help. I have passed your kind words onto my mother and she is overwhelmed by the support and goodwill she is receiving.
I have been asked by many what is needed.
I imagine the answer is similar for most people at the same stage of rebuilding. Nothing yet as there is literally nowhere to put anything and really not enough clear headspace to decide what the priorities are. When you lose most of your belongings, it is really hard to know where to start.
As we have all learned through this, it is friends and family that really count. An ear, a shoulder and practical help when the time comes.
Thank you
Melinda
PS – shameless plug alert
Knowing my mother, I suspect that she is itching to get back to her writing as the world tends to recede when she is immersed in words (probably why she ‘gets’ the need for the studio to be rebuilt in a hurry). You can check out one of her books at: http://www.authonomy.com/books/27447/lilywhite/
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it is so terrible