Portraits Of Life: Queensland Floods

Brisbane CBD

Millions of people around the world are aware of the floods that has happen in our wonderful country. Qld, my home state, is just starting the very long process of cleaning up and repairing homes on businesses, and there are still so many people who are able to return home, and many never will.

Where I live, Hervey Bay, we have been somewhat in the middle of it all. Rockhampton is 4 hours north of us. Bundaberg, just an hour north. Maryborough (30 minutes away) also experienced flooding. Then of course there is Brisbane, 4 hours south of us. And Toowoomba and Ipswich.

Being in a situation of seeing it happening around us, it has been heart wrenching to see these people, and animals, both domestic and wild loose their loved ones, their homes and belongings. I am so ever grateful that we have not personally been effected like these people have. When you are watching it on TV, there is a chocked up feeling in your throat. You fight back the tears. But there have been stories that are just too tragic not to cry.

The one that has really stuck in my thoughts and heart, was the 13 year old boy named Jordon Rice who asked rescuers to save his 10 year old brother( Blake) first. When rescuers came for the young teen and his mother, Donna who were stranded on the roof of their car, surrounded by water, the ropes snapped due the strength of rushing water, were swept away never to hold their family again. I don't know these people, but our hearts go out to their family and friends. I hope they don't mind me mentioning their story but I wanted to pay homage to one young man and his mother who where so selfless that lost their lives through bravery and the love of a family member.