Sunday at Surfers Paradise

Yesterday, we drove into Surfer's Paradise, which is basically the oldest part of the Gold Coast, along with Coolangatta. Our reason for being there was a volunteer concert being put on by the Gold Coast Japanese Ass. for financial aid to the Queensland flood victims, via the Salvation Army. Our neighbour, Kumi was to sing, and those wonderful Taiko drummers (wide drums) were the starting act at this Concert. However, before the start of this concert, two of our Meter Maids wandered past in their gold lame attire and akubras - they caught my attention!. Some background - in the mid 1950's the Surfers Paradise Meter Maids were formed on a voluntary basis - collecting donations, which they would then insert these coins into parking meters to prevent tourists from being fined for overstaying their time - tourist ambassadors really. Their costumes have changed over the years, however, they are still in Surfers Paradise in full force, and below are 2 of our current Meter Maids. .

A little different to the attire below

Similar colour though

The Gold Coast "Taiko" drummers got things rolling

If you care to hear a few seconds - play this below.

More beating of these drums - I just love their energy! And the weather was perfect

Kumi entertained us with two lovely songs

She has a wonderful powerful voice, we love it.

And below is a typical sign made by a flood victim to thank Australians who have given so much to this tragic situation, either by volunteering or donating, and of course to those like the group above who gave their time and skills to aid this cause in their new country - arigatou gozaimasv - thank you in Japanese.. Before going into Surfers, we had spent a couple of hours at Burleigh Beach - long walk and watching the Nippers back in training again - photos another day.

On the way home, we heard Macca on ABC - say "the Yanks are coming". We assumed he was talking about the Cyclist - Lance Armstrong, who whilst over here had donated gernerously to this cause. We were wrong, Macca played a telephone conversation he had that morning with a chap from Dallas, Texas who phoned to say a group of USA BlazeAid volunteers were coming back to Australia on January 28 to lend a hand mending fences, building sheds etc. etc. they came out and assisted after the deadly 2009 fires.

BlazeAid was actually started by a Victorian couple in Kilmore after the 2009 fires,

However volunteers for BlazAid also came from New Zealand, USA, Switzerland, Austria, France, Germany, England and Canada and worked tirelessly to help in 2009, and I am sure there are many of them out here now, or on their way - GENEROSITY and MATESHIP!

Lance Armstrong did head a charity ride through Brisbane today, which raised hundreds of thousands dollars for the flood charity. He received a lot of support from cancer survivors as well.

Queensland won't be the only State that will need the likes of BlazeAid's help this time, Victoria is also in trouble.

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A quick note!

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All the kids in Oz went back to School today after their summer holidays, in Queensland 92 schools were affected by the floods, and after all the hard work, only three were not able to open today - and those kids are being accommodated at other schools or buildings. There will be loads of things missing at the Schools, but Schools are back in action!