Mud Army still here six months on

University of NSW Warrane College students Roy Atherton (left) and Andy Watson have given up their university holidays to help clean flood affected homes in Goodna.

David Nielsen

THE OUTPOURING of community generosity from far and wide towards Ipswich flood victims continues to lift the spirits of those who have been through the mill.

The latest group of helpers from the University of NSW’s Warrane College has been active cleaning and repairing flood-damaged homes in Goodna and Bundamba this week.

Assistant Dean Miguel Paredes, an architecture student who is also lending a hand with the recovery, said the college conducted work camps each year and had an ethos of giving.

“We have been to Kenya and Vietnam, but this time we saw the need to help out here in Australia,” he said

“The floods were an opportunity to come to Ipswich and help clean up.

“It is part of the ethos at the college to help out the community and people that are in need.

“From the outside you don’t realise the damage that has been done to the properties — but once you go inside you realise.

“It is a great experience — especially when you meet people who own their houses but are living in the backyard.

“You don’t realise the conditions people are living under, so it is satisfying when you are helping people in need.”

Mayor Paul Pisasale met Mr Paredes and the volunteers while they were enjoying a meal at the Raceview Tavern on Tuesday night. He was full of praise for their giving spirit.

“This is exactly the shot in the arm that we need,” Cr Pisasale said.

“It shows what wonderful people they are — to come all the way from Sydney to help us. And it shows the people here in Ipswich that we are not alone.”

Ipswich City Council officers helped co-ordinate the work of the students — many of who are doing commerce, engineering, medicine or architecture.

“These university students have gladly given up the two weeks that they have as a break to come and help these people in Queensland,” Mr Paredes said.