Riah Holland has still been coming to terms with the heartbreaking loss of her precious family photos and heirlooms.
The shed at her apartment at Yorkeys Knob was flooded earlier this week as waters tore through parts of Cairns in Far North Queensland.
"There were hundreds of years of memories from our family, my husband's family, and now they're all gone," Ms Holland said.
"We were the bank for all these memories for everyone in the family. We were the ones holding those memories."
But she did not let that personal devastation get in the way of helping her community in its time of need.
Ms Holland has spent the past week cooking for those who have also lost prized possessions in Cairns suburbs like Machans Beach and Holloway Bay, as well as helping with the clean-up efforts.
On Saturday, she went to Machans Beach State School to collect a present for her son, part of a community present drive to ensure flood-affected children still had something to open on Christmas Day.
"My son actually lost his scooter because it was in the shed and it's stuck and got rusty. But I got a scooter today so that's great, that is good for him," she said.
"It's overwhelming. It's so good to be able to help and then at the same time receive a lot of support from the community."
A Christmas cause
Brent Kelly, from the Rotary Club of Cairns Sunrise, said he had met many people who had lost their children's Christmas presents.
"The first house we went through, the Christmas tree was down there was so much mud on the ground and the presents were all over the place," Mr Kelly said.
He teamed up with local woman Bronte Wynn and began raising funds and seeking donations for gifts that affected residents could take and give on for Christmas.
"We've got (gifts) for babies all the way through to gift vouchers for tech for teenagers, soccer balls, skateboards. There are drones, 300 movie tickets, $5000 with of gift vouchers."
Local Otto Schuring helped collect gifts and dropped them off to the centre.
He said he was worried about those in the community who were already struggling with cost of living and had now lost belongings and property to flood waters.
"We've got neighbours down here that have lost everything. Uninsured of course. Just devastating," Mr Schuring said.
"I think probably half of these people that have been devastated wouldn't have insurance because they're just going through tough times.
"People just can't afford $8000 in insurance when they've got to feed their kids. It's just a sad, sad situation."
He said he was heartened by how many people were willing to help where they could.
"It's just generosity gone to the next level. Beautiful people helping you in every way they can. People have got beautiful hearts."
Police presence continuing
Further north in Cooktown, local police have reassured people from the Indigenous community of Wujal Wujal their animals and homes were being looked after following resident evacuations.
Superintendent David Johnson said officers would remain in the community through Christmas and as long as they were needed, patrolling the streets ensuring animals were fed and looting did not take place.
"There are still a lot of dangers out there," Superintendent Johnson said.
"We've had an additional 80 police come up from Brisbane. They will stay and be refreshed as long as they are needed to help the local officers who have done a remarkable job.
"There's a lot of fatigue, a lot of long hours. But everyone I have talked to is keen to help out and do their best."
On the western side of Cape York, the Bureau of Meteorology has issued a final flood watch for Kowanyama, but have said flooding is likely to continue across the peninsula.
"Flooding is likely to continue during the week of Christmas, and is likely to be protracted with the arrival of upstream flood peaks," a spokesperson said.
"Extensive areas of inundation are expected around creeks and rivers south of Kowanyama as floodwaters move into the Gulf of Carpentaria."
More relief on the way
The State Government on Saturday announced 21 emergency relief providers in Far North Queensland would share in an extra $105,000 of support.
Communities Minister Leanne Enoch said funding was so the organisations could support vulnerable Queenslanders.
"The support they provide is important to the recovery effort, which includes food parcels, vouchers for transport and other essentials, as well as contributions towards the payment of bills," Ms Enoch said.
"Emergency Relief providers can also refer people to appropriate financial and social support services.
"If you are struggling with unexpected financial pressures as a result of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, please seek assistance from one of the 21 Emergency Relief services in Far North Queensland."
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2023-12-23 06:09:17Z
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