Meet the heroes who stood up to Debbie

CYCLONE Debbie may have knocked us over but it didn’t knock us down. As our community/communities across Queensland and New South Wales get on with the recovery effort, now you can do your part.

In a News Corp special publication (also the owners of of this publication) we feature the heroes who helped overcome adversity in March and April.

The gloss 132-page book Defying Debbie carries amazing stories of bravery as well as everyday derring-do, and is on sale now.

The stories are those of people you know and suggested. Importantly, when you buy a copy of Defying Debbie you’re helping those who suffered in the severe tropical cyclone.

All the proceeds of the sale will go to the official recovery effort, and will be donated to the charity Givit, which is delivering goods and services to those in need in both states.

The book follows Debbie’s trail from Bowen to Lismore and features the stories of the State Emergency Service, first responders, the armed forces, volunteers, and especially everyday people who stepped up in a time of need.

In the book’s introduction, News Corp regional network editor Neil Melloy wrote that it was hard to define what makes a hero, but the stories of Defying Debbie serve up many courageous acts to the readers.

“No doubt we won’t have covered everyone who stepped up in time of need but we hope to have told stories that mattered and are indicative of everyone who ‘defied’ Debbie,” he wrote.

“We’d like to thank the heroes for what they did and for taking the time to retell their stories.”

Debbie crossed the coastline of Queensland on March 28 but even after its initial rampage which battered Bowen, Mackay and the Whitsundays, the ex-tropical cyclone continued to cause havoc as it dumped massive amounts of rain through south-east Queensland and into northern New South Wales.

Despite all it could throw at us we stepped up. Make sure you pick up your copy by phoning 1300 361 604. Pay by credit card.