Hi everyone, another week zooms by and it’s time for the DOWNunder UPdate newsletter. It’s summer in Australia and we’re having our fair share of climatic events – similar I guess to what’s going on all round the world. Here in Queensland we’re again suffering from flooding. Not in Brisbane but in the outback. Many towns are under siege from the enormous rains that we had in the north of the state about a month ago.

Slowly this water gathers in the rivers and streams and slowly heads down through the centre of Queensland and eventually through NSW and to the sea in South Australia. The reason why so many of the towns are sitting ducks for floods, is that it’s so darn flat out there, and when the rivers spill over, the water just runs everywhere.

Unfortunately, these flood events haven’t been seen very often up to the last 10 years or so, but are now seemingly becoming yearly events (possibly because of global warming, but that’s another topic). One western town Charleville, after the 2010 floods, has built a huge levy around the town, and it has been put to the test this year. I’m happy to report – so far so good. Keep your fingers crossed.

Here are some fantastic photographs of the 2012 flooding crisis. Just click on the link below:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-02-04/charelville-residents-wait-to-see-if-levee-holds/3811932

Speaking of climate, I wrote an article about the climate that is experienced in Australia for future travellers and interested readers alike. Here’s the link to that article:
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art68362.asp

I have posted my fist message on the Australia forum and have received some lovely replies. If you’d like to be in touch, here’s the link:
http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/745057/New_Australia_Editor#Post745057

I have a few interesting links for you this week. Have fun browsing

http://www.funtrivia.com/newflash/trivia.cfm?qid=77104 This quiz is all about the strange lingo Aussies use. How well do you go?

http://motherrhythm.blogspot.com.au/2010/09/wednesday-craft-group.html a really cute kangaroo softie, made out of felt. I know this isn’t a craft site but for those who long for their own kangaroo softie – knock yourself out!!

Well, that’s all from me this week. I hope you have a great week ahead and I’ll pop in same time next week.
Cheerio for now



Judie Bellingham, Australia Editor
http://Australia.bellaonline.com

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