Brisbane, QLD


Sunday, January 16, 2011

THE MASSIVE CLEAN UP

Thousands of volunteers turned out to help clean up after the floods. They have been nicknamed 'The Sludge Army. There are so many tales of misery and woe it is good to see some humour still prevailing.

A group of volunteers take a break.

The owner of this house had just finished renovating it for sale, now it is a ruined mess.

18 comments:

  1. Diane, in all this misery it is great and uplifting to see people, strangers coming together and helping each other. The forced sale sign is really funny perhaps they find a buyer!!

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  2. You Aussies are amazing optimistic people. It is moving to see all the helpful volunteers. This will take a long time before everything is as it was.

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  3. Quite understood.

    So ... ready when you are Jeeves ...

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  4. Like Julie said...understood. I just LOVE the photo of the piano. And I am so sad for it. Love the forsale sign also. Wish I could be there to help.

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  5. It's terrible what you got to be experienced. People are strong in the midst of all the misery dryers they kidding. Or is it because they cope?
    Elisabeth

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  6. Diane, it is really sad, both the floods in Australia and in Brazil. It is wonderful though to see you showing that people there are still strong and can make fun. I hope things return to normal soon or as normal can be after the floods. I am looking forward to seeing the wedding photos. Take care and do not worry about replying, I understand.

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  7. I see where Centrelink are knocking on the doors in some areas of Queensland. That's a great thing, at least those who do not have phone or power know that their help.

    Saw the photo of your daughter online already :) She looks very happy in the photo.

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  8. Good old Australian humour! Wonderfully uplifting especially for getting through the tough times.

    Greatly looking forward to seeing the wedding pics, just as soon as you are ready, Diane. No pressure at all!

    Hope you and Bill are managing OK through all of this?

    Hugs,

    Des xo

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  9. I certainly understand your feelings, Diane. That flooding has had to have been so horrible to see. So much devastation. What a shame...

    Loved the video --reading about the Drudge Army. So many volunteers went to help. That is so special --people helping people.

    Hope your life begins to get back to 'normal' -whatever that is.

    Hugs and Prayers for your beautiful country.
    Betsy

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  10. Oh yes it always does good to be able to laugh even about its own miseries.
    I just wanted to ask you where the wedding pictures were, but of course with all what happened I forgot.

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  11. Thanks for the update and the humor in this post, Diane. I love the Sludge army around the piano and while my heart breaks for the owner of the renovated house, at least he's kept his chin up. Like all before, quite understood. Such a lot of sadness and misery around you this past week. You take care and call back when YOU are ready. Look forward to the wedding! Blessings, Jo

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  12. I'm very impressed with the Sludge Army.
    I hope things are returning to normal, although I realize it will be months before everything is back the way it should be.

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  13. Its the humour that will get everyone through. I'm so looking forward to the wedding photos. xxxx

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  14. Yes it is very heartwarming to see the response, from Anna Bligh to neighbours and strangers.
    Hugs,
    Jan

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  15. That is a lovely photo of the 3 of them :)

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  16. Always grand to see how people pull together in the wake of such devastation. Been thinking about you all over there Diane.

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  17. I'm sure we all understood perfectly about you not visiting anyone else right at this time. I am so grateful that you were able to share the devastation with us because (as I've repeated ad naseum, I'm sure) it really helped me to understand what was happening.

    I'm glad as well however that you are able to get back to happy blogging and I forgot to mention when I commented on the above post, your header shot is magnificent. Speaking of HAPPY! (I do understand that the professional took the wedding pictures -- and I am so glad she let you share them with us!)

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  18. It was so good to watch the video to see how many people came out to help and all the effort being put into clean up. I hope the sun stays out for Queensland for a good while!

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