Overwhelmed With Gratitude

During the floods earlier this year, Colleen Wood and her husband Allen found themselves in a terrifying and isolating situation. Living in Trebonne, they were stranded with no power, no food, and minimal phone charge. Allen is confined to a wheelchair and the SES and Ambulance services were unable to reach them due to the floods.

But in the face of adversity, the community around them stepped up in a remarkable way. Colleen, overcome with emotion and relief, shared her experience with Hinchinbrook Life through a heartfelt letter:

“On day two of the floods, a ute pulled up in the flooded driveway and two strangers asked if I was okay. I was filled with emotion and relief and could scarcely hold back my tears when I said to them, ‘My husband is in a wheelchair, and we need help.’”

These strangers, Vince Russo and Brenda Oats, became her lifeline during the crisis. “Vince and Brenda were angels on earth for us,” Colleen said. “They assisted us with fuel for our generator, filled it, started it, and came back each morning and night to top it up.” Their kindness helped ensure Colleen and Allen had a working generator to keep their essentials running.

But the help didn’t stop there. Another neighbor, David Scott, a farmer from up the road, checked on them daily and even brought a stable table for the generator. When the generator broke down, Kenny Hemmet from Hemmet Electricals loaned them one of his own.

In yet another gesture of support, Joe and Heather Ludlow, who lived just two houses away, offered Colleen a place to charge her phone when the generator failed.

And there was more. Danny Ward, a neighbor to the left of Colleen and Allen’s home, loaned them a freezer connected to a battery to help preserve their food.

“I was overwhelmed by these people,” Colleen reflected. “We owe them a debt of gratitude for their generosity, kindness, and sense of community. I hope they understand the difference they have made to our lives.”