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Station Life: It’s little gestures that can help us to heal from cyclone Seroja carnage

Raelene HallMidwest Times
Devastation in Kalbarri left in the wake of Cyclone Seroja
Camera IconDevastation in Kalbarri left in the wake of Cyclone Seroja

By the time this column is published, the destruction wrought by cyclone Seroja will mostly have disappeared from the major news outlets. That’s not unusual — we all know how quickly news changes and updates.

For those people who have been impacted, in any way, there will be no forgetting in a hurry. The preparation, the fear, the terror as Seroja ripped its way through, and the shock and heartache of the damage done, will be with them for a long, long time to come. For many it will be with them forever.

That’s why it’s important we continue to help where and when we can; watch over neighbours, friends and acquaintances and even strangers. It’s great there is support from government organisations and volunteers, from Federal and State Government funding and appeals, but they are dealing with the big issues.

It’s a tough road and I’d love to think we can all pitch in and help smooth the journey forward a little, one generous gesture at a time.

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A friendly phone call, the offer of plants to replace a ruined garden, a fundraiser for a local facility lost, comfort toys for children struggling to cope with the nightmares or a fresh cake dropped on a doorstep can all do as much to help as anything. In fact, sometimes it is the little gestures that allow people to release the emotions and start their healing journey. A friendly listening ear may be all that some require to get through.

Mingenew farmer Fiona Cossgrove with her sons Hamish (4) and Simon (8) with her cyclone damaged shed.
Camera IconMingenew farmer Fiona Cossgrove with her sons Hamish (4) and Simon (8) with her cyclone damaged shed. Credit: Iain Gillespie/The West Australian

I have been told of individual requests for help on various FB pages. If you see these posts and are unable to help yourself, maybe re-share them to a wider community. The Save Rural WA Facebook page is there for all West Aussies to help in any situation at any time. Please feel free to make use of it if you need to. With more than 4000 members (not all in WA) it’s a good resource to reach out, if you need assistance.

We all know how resilient our West Aussie communities are, and also how generous WA people can be. That’s how I know those affected will gradually pick up the pieces of their lives and start again. However, it’s a tough road and I’d love to think we can all pitch in and help smooth the journey forward a little, one generous gesture at a time.

If you have been impacted, please reach out. It isn’t always easy to ask for help but nor is it easy to know what people require, so communication is key for all.

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