WHITSUNDAY residents sought refuge over the weekend at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Proserpine, and the Bowen PCYC, Bowen.
Anyone stranded was allowed to park up for the night and use the facilities as required.
Berl and Michelle, from Stackelroth Farms, bunkered down at the Bowen PCYC for two days and, according to the pair, there was more than 50 cars parked outside and approximately 90 people inside.
“Donations throughout the day, food lovingly cooked, and genuine people caring for strangers like they are extended family,” they said.
“It’s certainly becoming a bonding experience for us all. We are surrounded and supported by so many great people.”
The Bowen PCYC was thankfully swamped with donations of food, water, bedding, toiletries, and home cooked meals from people and businesses all over the town.
“We have well over 80 to 100 travellers from all ends of the earth, fur babies (dogs and a cat) all comfortably safe, fed, showered and now sleeping (well mostly) at PCYC,” the pair wrote.
“What positive, selfless leadership has been shown.”
Four youth group R.U.B.Y. Crew members were supposed to fly to PCYC Bornhoffen, on Sunday, for a youth leadership and development program, but their flights were cancelled due to the weather.
While disappointed, the crew members still rocked up to the Bowen PCYC to lend a helping hand.
Pizza Hut Bowen stepped up and donated several fresh pizzas to keep those seeking shelter well fed.
IGA Bowen were troopers, donating several slabs of water.
Councillor Michelle Wright, from Whitsunday Regional Council, ventured out into the rain and lent a hand.
The team from Woolworths Bowen also stepped up with plenty of food donations, as well as some toiletries.
