MUM STAYING POSITIVE DESPITE LOSING HOME

roof of the two-storey house as it floated down the swollen Albert River.

“My main thing was making sure my kids were OK,” she said.

“That’s what I was focusing on – being a rock for my kids.

“It (the pain) will always be there but I’m trying to move forward and be positive that we’ve still got our lives and we’re still here.”

The family is one of thousands in Queensland and Northern NSW affected by Cyclone Debbie.

Now you can do your part to help them by securing a copy of our special souvenir publication Defying Debbie.

Produced by the Gold Coast Bulletin and News Regional Media, with the support of Suncorp, the 132-page gloss book follows Debbie’s trail of destruction from Bowen to Lismore. It features stories of defiance, hope and local heroes, and costs $7.50.

Proceeds of sales will go to the official recovery effort and will be donated to Australian charity GIVIT, which is delivering support to people in need in both states.

To help the cause, purchase your copy of Defying Debbie at participating newsagents or call 1300 361 604 to order direct over the phone (open between 8am-5pm Monday to Friday).

Please note a $4 postage fee applies for orders placed over the phone.