Once upon a time Brisbane residents would invoke ’74 as a year to be remembered – hallowed in time as a dark period in the city’s history of natural disasters. For those of us hit by floodwaters in 2011, that is now the year we refer to. To remember 2011 is to recall the heat, the rain, the mud, the smell, the endless work, the exhaustion … but also to remember how the state stood proud, shoulder to shoulder as friends and strangers helped their mates and neighbours.

At the annual dinner with our neighbours that has become a tradition every January in the week the floodwaters inundated us, we asked each other, “What were you doing on this day three years ago? Do you remember the smell of the mud? Do you remember how much work that was? Remember when you said …” And on and on it went.

There’s a bond forged with people that went through the flood with us and with those that helped that will never be undone. We went through hell and mud and came back – we’re still here.

In memory of the lives that were lost in January 2011 and the devastation that swept through Queensland and New South Wales, and concerns for those currently affected by bushfires, drought and other events around the country, here are some photos of the spirit of that time so when we remember the horror of what unfolded, we also remember how the community rallied. Thank you Brisbane.

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The house in Auchenflower near the peak of the floods.

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Kids that came with their dads to help from the Gold Coast. They had a great day – worked hard, got covered in mud and then had a shower under the hose.

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The mud army stroll the streets of Auchenflower looking for work.

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A mother that arrived with her first aid kit to tend to cuts and other injuries sustained during the flood.

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A volunteer group forms a line to remove damaged items from council property.

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Pointing at the flood mark on the house well above his head.

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The mud army gets to work in the streets of Auchenflower – a scene played out across the city.

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An impromptu picnic by the side of the road – the council guys were sitting in their trucks waiting to clear the street. We stopped work to watch and cheer them. While they were queuing we asked them to join us for smoko. They all too willingly complied.

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The NSW fire service came up to clean council buildings.

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A happy helper moving clothing and personal items back into the house.

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This volunteer makes helping out look fashionable.

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There was no time to think about food, how we would buy it or feed those that had come to help. Miraculously every day people would offer to make us meals or simply turn up with snacks, sandwiches, muffins, tea, coffee and drinks. It was a daily blessing.

 

Friends bring in supplies - water and food stuffs donated by businesses around Brisbane.

Friends bring in supplies – water and food stuffs donated by businesses around Brisbane.

Volunteering isn't all bad - always time for a smoko.

Volunteering isn’t all bad – always time for a smoko.

More good will - this woman normally does the rounds selling food, on this day she was giving it a way.

More good will – this woman normally does the rounds of construction sites selling food, on this day she was giving it a way.

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