Flood Recovery Barbecue - January 2011

To support the recovery effort in Jamboree Heights, JRA assisted and provided sponsorship for a barbecue where local residents and volunteers involved in the recent floods could get together, unwind a little, and share war stories that only they could understand.  Twenty-one homes were inundated in Patrol Street, Rani Close, Cringle Place, and Loffs Road – even though the flood level in Jamboree Heights was reported to be 2m below 1974 height, but it's certainly had an impact. 

Now, some nitty-gritty on the behind-the-scenes activity that allow the barbecue to happen.  The JRA executive, and some of its members, donated cash, with several businesses and residents in, the areas mentioned above, supported this event in cash and/or kind and the latter two are definitely worth a more direct "thank-you": 

• Hillman Meat Company (Jigjaw St, Sumner Park) – for discounted meat and sausages;
• Wally Andary from Sumner Road Fruit Market (Sumner Rd, Sumner) – trays of fruit at cost;
• Coles: Middle Park (Horizon Dr, Middle Park) – large quantity of salad, bread, drinks, etc for only $75, which was then covered by one of the Coles Management staff so that it would be free.  This was liaised with on of the residents, Lynn, who arranged the “deal”;·         Large number of residents attendees that contributed food and drinks;
• An ever optimistic attendee, who brought a tub of ice-cream and cones to a venue with no power (but it went down very well). 

Diane (homeowner in Rani Close) kindly offered her home as a venue for the barbecue.  This was a very generous offer on her part, as she was one of the residents whose homes were inundated by flood waters.  Big thank-you to Diane.  Other residents joined you can to organise and run this event, and JRA was delighted to be a part of it.  It was only through this community spirit, that the event was possible. 

It was decided that special labels would be printed up – those who had been inundated with floodwaters were nicknamed the "Mud Crabs".  Those who had helped with the cleanup, donations, and other forms of support were nicknamed the "Mud Angels".  Some of the attendees were eligible for both labels. 

On the subject of attendance, around 120 people popped in the food, drink, and a chat "around the BBQ".  Photos taken of the event illustrate how well things went instead of a written description.  So, Click Here to go to these photos. NB: if you have any difficulties with this link, please contact JRA is Web Administrator, Andrea, via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

Three short speeches were delivered mid-event by the following people: 

• Wayne (JRA President) provided some of the details concerning the flood, many already discussed here, plus thank yous to the police for helping to move a 93-year-old from her residence; the Red Cross; the people from the Community Recovery Centre; those who provided accommodation and support; a Gladstone-based company, Golding Constructions, that allowed fair Brisbane-based crew to work in the Jamboree Heights area to assist with recovery efforts; local "Mud Crab/Angel" Peter (Galeforce Tree Services), who put his own concerns on hold while he utilised his truck and equipment to aid his neighbours; and praising all for their generosity of community spirit. 

   

JRA will be working with all levels of government, other residents’ associations and relevant authorities to ensure that an early disaster plan is formulated to prepare our community better for a repeat happening.  For example, if only 10% of the assistance that was provided by “recovery” volunteers could have been marshalled before the flood waters rose, the damage to furnishings, white goods and personal belongings could have been avoided.  So, pre-flood efforts could be allocated in a number of different ways – moving people and goods, relocating businesses, activating suburban/community “Disaster Plans”, filling sand bags and deploying them effectively, etc.  With the assistance given by our predominantly local volunteers, Jamboree Heights residents relieved the burden on recovery resources allowing them to concentrate on other district of more severe flooding.  A major contribution in itself.

• Lynn ("Mud Crab") commented on the kindness of strangers and thanked everyone in the neighbouring streets became to their aid.  She went along to list a number of organisations and people including the following: the Salvos; SES; the police and a local detective; and number of electrical contractors; local communities supplying food; Montessori Kindie for their generous donations; Rosemary, Mary and Pam; and Wayne, whom she nicknamed the Scarlet Pimpernel of Jamboree. 

• Another "Mud Crab", Noel, then added his thoughts.  He felt the word help was really an understatement as people seem to come from everywhere to assist during and after the flood crisis.  He was amazed at what people were able to do and commented on Wayne's ability to commandeer and/or find many of the items required.  It was wonderful how the local community helped each other and he hoped this spirit would continue. Most discussions during the barbecue centred on people's experiences and what they were doing to cope in the aftermath.  Most of these chats were quite personal, and as such will not be repeated here.  However, there are a couple of remarks that can be passed on, as they mainly reflect the Australian sense of humour in the event of any crisis. 

• Raj discussing how he was successfully "resuscitating" some drowned vacuum cleaners;

• Stan, Daniel, and Karl wondered how many mobile phones were washed out of pockets as people tramped through floodwaters, which had been stands personal experience.  Quite a few mobiles probably went the way of the dodo during the recovery period when they "escaped" into the mud and sludge;

• some of the "Muddies" with pools contemplating new business plans, as they could now open their own "Mud Spas".  It was noted that quite a few people pay heaps to be immersed in mud to get that younger complexion. 

If any of the above details need to be adjusted or you wish to provide additional information, please e-mail Andrea on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  .

Again, thank you to one and all for making this event possible.