QLD:Flood victim's new Grantham home arrives

AAP General News (Australia)
08-01-2011
QLD:Flood victim's new Grantham home arrives

By Darren Cartwright

BRISBANE, Aug 1 AAP - Grantham flood victims Dan Walmsley and Mary King will soon have
a house they can call home again.

All they need are tradesman to complete the installation of their "new" Sorrenson St abode.

It arrived on Monday aboard two semi-trailers in the southeast Queensland town devastated
by floodwaters in January.

The previous dwelling they'd built from scratch was only a week from completion when
it ended up in the local creek as a torrent of water roared through the Lockyer Valley
town on January 10.

Grantham at the time was described as a war zone, with 10 people confirmed either dead
or missing.

Now, Dan and Mary are the fortunate recipients of one of three homes sourced by Hannah's
Foundation, a drowning prevention, awareness and support charity set up for for Grantham
flood victims.

"I think for me it's just overwhelming and for Don it's not really real yet until we
get that front door key and live in it," Ms King said.

"But right now we need to have people help us do the little bits and pieces to make
this dream a reality."

The home was donated courtesy of house relocation company McDonald House Haulage.

Hannah's Foundation spokeswoman Kat Plint told AAP the house needed to be wired, plumbed
and have a "light" exterior makeover.

"We need electricians, plumbers, painters and plasterers, and apprentices are more
than welcome," Ms Plint said.

"We are working with BSA (Building Services Authority) and Apprenticeships Qld to help
get more new home owners the support they need.

"This house has great character and its future residence in Grantham will no doubt
give Don and Mary a wonderful home that they can enjoy with their children and grandchildren."

The other houses Hannah's Foundation has sourced are in storage.

They will be delivered in the next couple of months and another call-out for volunteer
tradies can be expected.

Anyone, including handymen, wanting to donate their services, can contact the foundation
on 07 5465 2000.

AAP dac/crh/it

KEYWORD: FLOODS HOUSE (PIX AVAILABLE)

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