Diary of a Flood Survivor

When we were unpacking many of the items we’d saved from the food, as they had to be stored away while we were living elsewhere, it was a little like Christmas.

Possessions we hadn’t seen for seven months came to light and we were able to put them back where they belonged.

Clothes in the wardrobe, books on the shelves (although we have only put a minimal number out again and kept the rest in storage) and other items on display, as I mentioned about our photos on the walls, the other week.

Every now and then, something I remembered that I haven’t seen, I realise it has since been lost, such as my grandmother’s hand held mirror.

On other occasions, items I thought had been lost to the food, are actually safe and sound, such as a pashmina I bought in Malaysia quite a number of years ago.

Now, I don’t know how it could have been saved, as the drawer I had all my scarves, wraps and pashminas in, had gone under water, and except for a couple of very special items, I threw them all out.

This wrap may have been in the clothes I packed before we evacuated or I simply forgot that I had it.

Either way, it was a special feeling to fnd it, even if it is just my memory going.

Recently the federal government, via the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler (pictured), has provided Southern Cross University with $3.8 million to help us locals affected by the foods.

It is to help support over 200 people left with post-traumatic stress disorder after their experiences in 2022.

It is a stepped care model and if you are feeling like this is something you want to get involved with you can register your interest in the clinical trial at compassiontrial@scu. edu.au

Little steps.

Mark your calendars for an enriching day of arts and culture at the Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG) this May. The NRCG, in collaboration with artist and educator Claudie Frock and the Ballina Shire Council Community Recovery Team, is excited to present the TOGETHER Arts & Community Wellbeing Day. This special event is scheduled for Saturday, 11 May 2024, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and is set to transform the NRCG & Ignite Studios creative precinct into a vibrant hub of artistic and cultural activities.

Event Highlights:

• Natural Fibre Weaving: Join Tania Marlowe and Deb Cole from Jugan Dandii for a session of gentle natural fbre weaving.

• Pop Up Play Space: Experience the fun with Roundabout Theatre’s Lollipop Ladies in a colorful game’s installation in the NRCG green space.

• Collective Collage Workshop: Dive into a creative collage-making session with Claudie Frock & Mia Zapata.

• Inclusive Gallery Movement Tours: Move and groove through the gallery with dancer and performance artist Katie Cooper-Wares in the DANCE THE ART tour.

• Youth Virtual Reality and Digital Storytelling Workshops: Engage with cuttingedge technology in art workshops led by Sean Spencer from Social Futures Computer Clubhouse.

TOGETHER is designed as a free, fun, and accessible event where community members of all ages can engage with some of the region’s most imaginative artists and facilitators. This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals and families to explore their creativity, connect with others, and enjoy a playful day in the heart of Ballina. Accessibility and Additional Information:

• Auslan Interpretation: The event will include Auslan interpretation to ensure accessibility.

• Wheelchair

Accessibility: The venue is fully accessible by wheelchair.

• Sensory Friendly Space: A quiet space will be available for those who might need a break from the sensory stimulation.

• No Bookings Required: There is no need to book in advance. Feel free to turn up and participate in any of the creative sessions that interest you. This program is supported by both the Australian Government and NSW Government through the Community Recovery Program and represents a key arts and cultural initiative of the Ballina Shire Council. For any accessibility queries or further information, please contact Ella Millard at Ella.Millard@ballina. nsw.gov.au. Join us for a day of creativity and community spirit at the Northern Rivers Community Gallery & Ignite Studios Creative precinct located at the corner of Cherry St and Crane St, Ballina. Come along, and let’s create and connect TOGETHER!