Mobilise the Grey Nomads

Morning All,

I have spent the night thinking about the people of North Qld and trying to imagine just what they are going through at this time. Reports from friends in the area would indicate that even the media reports which we are getting do not show just how devastating this cyclone Larry has been . The worst part is still to come as the absolute shock of the ordeal sets in for those who have been through this traumatic ordeal and lost everything. Try to put yourself in this position.
Ok so the State and Federal Govts are saying that they will assist etc. and no doubt they will rebuild the infrastructures and the insurance companies will help in the most part for the houses. What about the things that the general communities have provided for themselves over many years? Who does the volunteer work while the ‘normal’ volunteers are busy restoring their own individual lives? Who helps when the media attention moves to another field even though only part of the work is done? In short who is there to offer a hand of support when there is nothing on offer but satisfaction of having helped a fellow man.
So that is the background. What can be done?
My wife and I believe that we ‘Grey Nomads’or ‘Geriatric Gypsies’ still have some acquired skills and energies which could help. We could take over the mundane jobs or provide unpaid assistance in the communities or maybe help a farmer or business restore some normality to their bleep tered life.
Our big advantage is that most of us carry our bed and board with us wherever we go and in an area where housing is the main deficit item this is a big plus.
I am not suggesting that we all pack our trailers and rush enmasse to Innisfail. Firstly we could well be in the way during the initial cleanup and secondly the costs involved with this undertaking are possibly beyond the scope of many. The time we could be of most help may well be when the rush is done and the troops are back in their base.

Questions
How many people are available ? What skills are on offer? What help is needed? Who would be able to coordinate? What funding would be required and how would this be found? Can we individually arrange sponsorship so that we can offer a little more than just a smile?

There are a large number of us ‘oldies’ and we certainly are not on the scrap heap. How do we -Mobilise the Grey Nomads?

Incidentally a lot of this mobile community normally head north in winter anyway so this may be an opportunity to show that we appreciate the region.

Open to comments and ideas.

Kevin J