Families from flood ravaged Grantham were given a chance to sit back, relax and take a short break away, thanks to some Casuarina residents.
The weekend break was a much-needed reprieve for the group of residents who are still battling to rebuild their lives and homes almost four months after the inland Tsunami which decimated their tiny town on January 10.
The break was organised by local residents and supported by Tweed businesses.
They were brought down by JB bus services from Tweed and returned home by the Gatton Bus Company.
One of the organisers, Linda Pennalligen, said the group was welcomed into the homes of local Ebony Court residents.
“They were welcomed into the homes of local residents who quickly embraced and forged new friendships together,” she said.
“The Grantham folk not only included those who had lost homes and all possessions but also some who have been volunteering tirelessly since the devastating flood.
“Their weekend began with pizza for all on their arrival on Friday night to get acquainted, followed by a fun-filled Saturday.
“Despite some uncertain weather, the young and young at heart headed to Dreamworld for a day of adventure, while others spent the day at Tropical Fruit World.
“A street BBQ was organised for Saturday night, with many locals coming together to enjoy a scrumptious dinner cooked by the Tweed Rotary volunteers.
“Kingscliff turned on the weather on Sunday and newly opened Jakes Restaurant cooked up a sensational breakfast for everyone before they all headed to Macadamia Castle for another day of adventure.”
Linda said, in between the organised trips, the families spent time taking in the beauty of the Tweed Coast.
She said they all left Sunday evening tired but refreshed after experiencing true generousity and community spirit, taking with them an amazing hamper each, with wonderful treats courtesy of our Northern NSW neighbours, goodies and produce donated by the Byron Bay Farmers Markets and lots of other locals suppliers.
“It is easy for us to forget that these folk are still doing it extremely tough. There are many who are unable to move on with any kind of resemblance to their lives before the devastation of January 10,” Linda said.
“Stories of insurance claims being denied, of flood appeal money not being accessed by all, are just a couple of sad realities.
“The kindness shown by the Tweed Community goes a long way in giving these people a glimmer of hope that they have not been forgotten.”
The weekend was organised by Ebony Court resident Linda Pennalligen-Hansen and Noni Yates from Salt, who have both been volunteering and helping out in Grantham.
“The weekend couldn’t have been possible without the wonderful residents opening up their homes and their hearts. It was also made possible with the wonderful help of councillors Warren Polglaze and his wife Karlene, Joan van Lieshout and Deborah Galvan,” Linda said.
“Through donations raised through their personal contacts, we were able to get the Grantham families here and give them a wonderful weekend,” she said.
“We would also like to say a big thank you to JB bus services Tweed, Gatton Bus Company, Jakes Cafe at Kingscliff, Tweed Rotary, Elevation Church, Dreamworld, Tropical Fruit World, Macadamia Castle, Taphouse Cellars, Wool-worths and Coles, Tweed City, Master Meats, Top Notch Cheese Cakes, Michels Patisserie Tweed, Ida cocoa2go chocolates, Bunnings, Curry Traders, Byron Bay Cookies, Iimogen Wines and a special thanks to the Byron Bay Farmers Markets.”
