Bondies have rolled up their sleeves to help flood affected communities with restoration efforts across Queensland.
Recently more than 60 Bond University students volunteered their Sunday to assist in the mammoth task of the post flood clean up in Goodna.
An initiative of the Bond University Students Association (BUSA) and the Bond International Relations Organisation (BIRO) saw the students travel 90 kilometres north via bus and set off to assist Global Care, a Christian organisation that assists post disaster recovery, in their restoration and cleaning efforts.
Bond University Law and International Relations student and BIRO spokesperson, Harriet Johnston, admits the extent of damage becomes hauntingly real when you are amongst it.
“The mood of the group immediately changed when we saw the mark of the flood water,” said Harriet.
“The lines were well above the height of the bus, which made it vividly clear how seriously affected the community of Goodna was.”
The students assisted in various activities during the day including cleaning houses and removing debris. While the work was challenging and physically exhausting, Harriet attests that motivation was high.
“We swept the reeds and mould that had gathered in the beams of the roof and walls that the water had left behind and swept and dug up the tiles of what were left in the kitchen and bathroom,” she describes.
Further west in Toowoomba Bond University Environmental Management and Science students were putting their green thumbs to work planting over 25 new trees at Murphy’s Creek State School.
The trees replaced what was washed away in January’s floods and as the students toured the school with Professor Tor Hundloe, Principal Jo Sinclair-Jones explained the challenges they faced during the floods.Â
“The January flood was like an inland tsunami. It came without warning and has had a huge impact on our community,” said Mrs Sinclair-Jones.
“As a result over 10 per cent of our students have relocated from the area with their families, with some families still living in temporary accommodation”.
“We are very grateful for the support these Bond students have provided. These new trees will beautify our school grounds and provide shade for our students. The Institute has also provided a very generous financial contribution to help our school move forward again,” she said.
During January the Bond University donated $10,000 and the Bond community raised $18,500 for the Queensland Flood Appeal. As the clean up continues students and staff are encouraged to volunteer their time, for more information please contact BUSA on 5595 4009.