Elderly couple rebuild in Logan

When floodwaters from ex-STC Debbie inundated the house of an elderly couple in their mid-seventies, community organisations and government agencies worked together to bridge the gap and help them rebuild their lives on the Logan property which had been their home for 27 years.

The wife, who relied on a wheelchair, and her husband could see the water rising and although they managed to move furniture to higher places in the house, they lost everything as the water rose to the top of the internal doors.

Although the Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors (DCDSS) had arranged for a house with disability access and facilities for the couple, the family felt compelled to stay. They used their lifesavings to acquire a $53,000 portable home with two bedrooms, kitchen/living, bath/laundry and moved it to the highest non-flooded area on the property. As their only income was the pension, the owner built a deck under the supervision of a registered builder, to provide further room for the couple on the property.

To further assist with recovery efforts, the family received support through a coordinated approach from the Queensland Government, St Vincent de Paul Society and the Salvation Army.