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| Jen Barrkman and Betty Applegate have contributed to the launch of "Stories of life in the Graceville and Chelmer area: recollection, renewal and connection to place", a book that features flood recovery stories, photos and poems by local residents. |
AN innovative collection of stories has helped unite flood-affected communities and turned tragedy into strength.
A handful of south-west Brisbane residents have shared their personal experiences of the 2011 flood in a book titled 'Stories of life in the Graceville and Chelmer area: recollection, renewal and connection to place'.
Launched last month, the book was the outcome of an interactive oral history project, facilitated by Benarrawa Community Development Association, Read Thread Stories and SalaRubio Productions.
Through the project, residents explored their connections to the area and to each other through story telling.
Meg Lethbridge, who coordinated the process as part of Benarrawa's Flood Recovery Project, said she was thrilled with the result.
"The stories, poems and photos are rich and evocative and really express people's personal experiences through visual story telling," she said.
One of the contributors, 85-year-old Betty Applegate, has lived in Chelmer for 61 years and was pleased to be able to share her recollections of the 2011 flood.
Like many others in the area, the great-great grandmother's home was inundated during the event.
"Taking part in this process helps you realise that you are not alone and that so many others have shared similar experiences," she said.
The Benarrawa Oral History Project was funded by Brisbane City Council. For more information contact Meg on 3379 9925.
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