"The dogs and I would go and sit in the car because that’s what felt safe"

Last updated: 

3 March 2023 12:59PM  

First published: 

3 March 2023 12:54PM

Ranee and her two dogs had been living in her car after the flood that swamped Gympie last February.

“I went to uni and I’ve always supported myself, but life happens and the floods compounded everything.  Where I would’ve been okay, I completely wasn’t,” she said.

Ranee had been dealing with a range of health issues, which she’s now been able to address thanks to stable accommodation and support at the Gympie Recovery Accommodation Park – even if her new surroundings took some getting used to.

“There are so many issues that come from living in the car,” she said.

“When the dogs and I first moved into the park, we’d go and sit in the car because that’s what felt safe.”

Ranee said losing many of her possessions in the floods changed her perspective on life.

“Literally all I want to do is get back to work and get back to normal life.  They’ve helped me here not just through the floods but through my health and mental health,” she says.

“I would be so lost without them.  I’ve got hope for the future now which I didn’t have before.”

The Gympie Recovery Accommodation Park provides temporary accommodation to people affected by the floods in the Gympie region.

Queensland Government’s Housing Service Centres are here if you or someone you know needs housing help. Call 13 QGOV for your nearest centre or call the Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.