It was just like the airport scene from Love Actually, but this was very real.
As the people evacuated by sea from Mallacoota were finally reunited with their loved ones in Somerville, emotions were raw and the feelings of relief were palpable.
They were among the 4,000 people who’d captured the world’s attention when forced to take refuge at Mallacoota Beach as ferocious bushfires cut off all access by road.
The Somerville Indoor Sports Stadium had been converted to a relief centre for the reunifications to take place and Red Cross volunteers were waiting for them to arrive.
Six of their specially trained colleagues had been on HMAS Choules, sitting with people and hearing their stories during the 20-hour evacuation by sea. More Red Cross volunteers met the evacuees at the buses ferrying them to the Somerville Relief Centre, preparing them for the process ahead. And Red Cross people were on hand inside the relief centre, offering psychological support as a wide range of emotions poured out.
As busload after busload started arriving, it was hard to say who was most overjoyed to be finally free – some of the 114 dogs who’d made the journey or their human families.
Inside the centre tears were flowing as people found each other among the crowds.
Families embraced. Children were swept up for hugs. Dogs were cuddled. All around was an almost tangible outpouring of love.
It’s the same compassion and kindness which has been pouring into Red Cross since the bushfire crisis began. The Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund, which helps Red Cross teams to give people the support they need in emergencies, including the current bushfires and disasters yet to come, has raised more than $19 million since 31 December 2019, and the figure is rising all the time.
Lisa Carr was one of six Red Cross personnel working alongside military personnel supporting 1,200 evacuees on HMAS Choules.
"The humanity is always evident, it just rises to the surface in these really difficult situations."
"We’re all here together and we’re all here looking after each other."