Emma’s Journey – February 2011

Emma’s Journey – February 2011

 There’s no doubt that over the past month all our love and thoughts have been with those affected by the worst floods in our history across five states, in particular South East Queensland. I’ve visited quite a few of these true blue communities in the past few weeks; Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Brisbane, Kerang, Horsham and Echuca are just some of the areas that have faced inland torrents devastating everything they have worked so hard for. And everything they hoped for the future as well.

 With hundreds of thousands of people directly touched by the floods, many Aussies have been dealt a tricky hand of cards to play. To have everything you own washed away is damn unfair. But as is so often the way, they’ve managed to turn it around.

 In Brisbane, I spent some time with some members of the Mud Army, those kind spirited and generous volunteers willing to clean up any mess left behind by mother natures giant tantrum. In particular, a young guy called Jack. After telling him how amazed I was at the turn out by regular Joe Blow to help out neighbors in need they didn’t even know, he wisely said, “They may call us the lucky country, but we really make our own luck”. How true. Only an Australian could switch a Two of Spades for a Queen of Hearts without complaint, or fanfare. Just getting on with the job. And that’s what those affected will do. Simply get on with the job of cleaning up, rebuilding and fighting on, hopefully with a few laughs along the way. It wouldn’t really be the Australian way otherwise. 

 x x Emma