North west Queensland flood relief fundraiser

Emily Curr, 16, of Yelvertoft Station at Mount Isa, founded the idea from her boarding school room in Brisbane, while her family were dealing with the severity of flood and cattle losses at their properties near Julia Creek.

"I was at my second week of school when I saw the news of the flood event in North West Queensland," Emily recalled.

"I wanted to do something for a community affected by the flood, which could also correspond with my studies of Diploma of Project Management.

"So I thought I would have a small lunch but obviously it quickly grew which was awesome.

"The event was designed to bring everyone in the community together, and give people an opportunity to relax and take their mind away from what happened a few months ago."

Emily said she did not predict the overwhelming response from the Julia Creek community.

"I did not think the event would get as big as it was," Emily said.

"I was expecting 150 people and we ended up with over 250 people which was amazing.

"I got one message from a family and they just thanked me for the opportunity to finally relax and take their mind of the stresses they had faced recently.

"We had some brilliant guests there with Alan Jones, Hugh Bowman and Billy Moore attending the event providing some great laughs and tales for the audience."

All money raised from ticket sales went to event costs but the raffle proceeds were donated to the Cloncurry-based charity Sisters of the North.

"Founder Susan Dowling is a family friend of ours and I know that all the money raised will go back to the flood affected farmers," Emily said.

"I just want to thank Sisters of the North, Northern Rural Co, St Margaret's and McKinlay Shire Council for providing support and sponsorship to make this event possible."