Rebuild family home after all is lost in FNQ flood

In December 2023, cyclone Jasper tore through Far North Queensland, causing horrific flooding and destruction to communities across the state, including those just south of Cooktown. One of the worst hit was the home of my beloved little nieces, 4-year-old Lamia and 2-year-old Mira. For years, my brother Ziggi has worked hard to build a home for these girls – one that is practical, sustainable, and where they’d always be close to nature.

And in one day, they lost it all.

Their house, mechanical business and the girls’ playground were completely destroyed and literally ripped out of the ground after the nearby creek burst its banks causing torrential floods to sweep through their property. All their possessions – furniture, appliances, machinery, tools, solar power system, clothes, toys, and mementos collected over the years – gone in a few hours.

Thankfully the first wave of the floodwaters entered the house during the day, so they were able to rescue their animals and escape in time. It would have been a very different and tragic outcome if this had occurred during the night while they were sleeping.

See before pics here:

And here is what was left after:

You can see and read more in this local news article.

In the weeks that followed, friends, loved ones, and the local community gathered round the family to offer emotional support, practical help, and a roof over their heads. And now that they've had some time to process what's happened, they are determined to not let this break their spirit. They’re planning to rebuild - this time on higher ground and on stilts. They will be starting from scratch, and in his true style, my brother will be doing the vast majority of the work himself.

But in order to do this, they really need funds to start the build. The first step is to purchase structural steel for a modest two bedroom home they’ve designed, which is estimated to cost around $20,000. Following this, they hope to find as much second hand building materials as possible to build the floor, walls and roof, so any funds exceeding the $20,000 goal will greatly assist in completing the build.

I would like to reach out to everyone who, when you heard the awful news, contacted me with messages of support and offers to help. Now is the time to give if you can.

Your generosity will mean that Lamia and Mira will once again have a home where they can play, learn, thrive, and most importantly feel safe. Absolutely 100% of your donations will go to meeting this goal. And as the building works progress, I will post photos of the works here to keep you up to date.

So please, help me help them.

With love and gratitude,

Ania