Tweed Floods One Year On –Free Community Breakfast

IN life, when the chips are down and the odds aren’t good, one sure thing rises to the surface faster and more unmistakably than anything else; and that is character, albeit the strength of character – which is defined by a willingness to never concede, or to give in without having somehow given your all.

ANZAC soldiers wading through the dawn waves of Gallipoli under insurmountable gunfire last century, comes to mind when reflecting on what defines our Australian character; the sacred non-negotiables that remain as enduring legacies long after the smoke of battle clears and the artillery goes quiet.

To have never been tested (and pass) is to be condemned to a life of brittle fantasy, to lead an immature existence that plays out on the level of pure make-believe.

Fittingly, the origin of the word character derives from the ancient Greek kharakter, which was a stamping tool and the mark that becomes permanently impressed upon a coin.

Thus, our value or the value of our character, whether as individuals or as nation states are defined by readily observable traits. It is evidently something not easily altered, let alone ever erased. Like coins passed through time: true character can never be counterfeited in exchange for anything of the highest worth. Character is a denomination of the soul, and as such it is fascinating to know that it was actually referred to as ethos in ancient Greece.

As if directly channelling the timeless and weight bearing sentiments of Heraclitus, who once said, “Character is destiny”; the former US President Harry Truman also discerned, “Fame is a vapour, popularity is an accident, riches take wings, those who cheer today may curse tomorrow and only one thing endures - character.” Or in other words, having the proven ability to stay true to what is most true, in both one’s self and in every situation we encounter, defines us more than anything else. It is not just bounding sport stars or wide-eyed politicians and public figures who have an outright stake on character. One of history’s most impressive and tenacious individuals, the deaf and blind Helen Keller once professed, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”

Overwhelmingly, right throughout history those that have gone on to achieve great things have done so largely thanks to having had refined characters, albeit characteristics that propelled them in the most unstoppable of ways. As R.J. Palacio once noted, “Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.”

While greatness can mean a million different things to a million different people, one thing is clear over the long haul, as Howard W. Hunter made claim, “At the end of your lives you will not be judged by academic successes, the degrees or diplomas earned, the positions held, the material wealth acquired, or power and prestige, but rather on the basis of what you have become as persons and what you are in conduct and character.”

Business Kingscliff is inviting the Tweed community to a free community breakfast at Salt Bar, Kingscliff on 28 February to mark one year since the frst devastating Tweed food.

“I invite the Tweed Community to join us at this special event to ‘remember, refect, and look forward’ - all are welcome!” Business Kingscliff President and Tweed Shire Councillor, James Owen said. “Our community had never seen anything quite like the food last year and, as we move forward and rebuild, we wanted to offer an opportunity for the Tweed community to remember and refect on the food and look forward to the future.”

“Everyone is welcome, and they will be joined by those who assisted with the rescues, including members of the ‘tinnie army’, SES, Police, RFS and surf life saving.

“We will also be joined by community groups, churches, charities and members of 8/9 RAR Army battalion who helped with the cleanup and recovery.

“The rebuilding needs support from all levels of government and I am delighted that Janelle Saffn, Member for Lismore, Geoff Provest, Member for Tweed, Justine Elliot, Member for Richmond, David Witherdin, Chief Executive, Northern Rives Reconstruction Corporation, and Chris Cherry, Tweed Shire Mayor, and our Tweed Shire Councillors and staff will join us.”

Tweed singer songwriter Ollie Twohill will perform his new single ‘Washed Away’ at the event.

“Ollie wrote ‘Washed Away’ after hearing stories about the foods from customers in the bottle shop, he worked in in Murwillumbah.”

“It’s been a busy 12 months and it’s important for the community to have an opportunity to come together and talk about their experiences of the foods.

“Everyone’s journey was differentwhether their home or businesses were fooded, or they were part of the rescue or recovery efforts – and it has certainly left its mark on us all!”

“One thing that shone through the dark times was community spirit, selfessness and the willingness of the Tweed community to help others and we want to acknowledge that at the breakfast”.

“Salt Bar have been great supporters of the community during the recovery from the 2017 and 2022 foods and Salt Bar venue Manager Anthony Riolo didn’t hesitate when asked to help.”

Salt Bar Venue Manager, Anthony Riolo said “Salt Bar & Bistro are proud to support the community by hosting this event and we look forward to welcoming our community to this special event.”

“Please join us to remember, refect and look forward!” Councillor Owen said.

-