Coffee with Luke: Surviving My First Cyclone – Alfred

As I sit here sipping on my coffee, the aroma mixing with the lingering tension of last night, I can’t help but reflect on what I just experienced. March 6, 2025, will forever be etched in my memory—not because of a celebration or a special event, but because it was the night I faced my first-ever cyclone.

Cyclone Alfred tore through Brisbane and parts of New South Wales, bringing with it a terrifying mix of howling winds, relentless rain, and an eerie uncertainty that hung in the air. I had always seen news reports of cyclones battering different parts of Australia, but nothing prepares you for the real thing until you’re in the middle of it.

The Lead-Up to the Storm

The warnings started rolling in early. The Queensland Premier, David Crisafulli, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese both took to the media, urging people to stay safe, take precautions, and prepare for what was coming. I took their advice seriously—securing loose objects, charging my devices, stocking up on essentials, and mentally preparing myself for the unknown.

As the winds picked up and the rain became heavier, a strange mix of anxiety and adrenaline coursed through me. The city, usually buzzing with life, fell into an eerie silence between the gusts of wind. I could hear debris being tossed around outside, trees swaying violently, and the occasional loud thud that sent a chill down my spine.

The Height of the Storm

By nightfall, the full force of Cyclone Alfred was upon us. The power flickered but didn't lost power. I sat in my safest room, listening to updates and checking in with friends and family. The sound of the wind was like a roaring freight train—relentless and unforgiving. Every minute felt like an hour as I braced myself for whatever was to come.

It was a humbling experience. Nature’s power is something we often take for granted until it reminds us just how small we really are.

The Aftermath

When the storm finally passed, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief. Stepping outside this morning, the damage was evident—fallen branches, scattered debris, and a city shaken but still standing. The cleanup will take time, but one thing is for sure: we’ll get through this.

This experience has given me a newfound respect for those who have been through worse and a deep appreciation for emergency services and leaders who guided us through it. Cyclone Alfred may have been my first, but thanks to the advice of Premier Crisafulli and Prime Minister Albanese, I was as prepared as I could be.

For now, I take another sip of my coffee, grateful for the calm after the storm. Stay safe, stay strong, and until next time—this has been Coffee with Luke.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Coffee with Luke – Meet Emma West, Speech and Language Therapist at Adaptability Therapy

Image
Welcome back to  Coffee with Luke ! In today’s episode, I’m excited to introduce you to another key member of the amazing team at Adaptability Therapy—Emma West, an exceptional Speech and Language Therapist. Emma works alongside Katrina Scott, the Occupational Therapist we’ve talked about before, and together they create an incredible support network for their clients, including me! Emma West: A Skilled Speech and Language Therapist Emma West is truly remarkable at what she does. She’s not just a therapist, she’s someone who cares deeply about her clients’ progress and well-being. Her expertise in speech and language therapy has a profound impact on those she works with, helping people regain or strengthen their ability to communicate, which in turn boosts confidence and independence. Whether it’s overcoming speech difficulties, managing language disorders, or refining communication skills, Emma approaches every challenge with patience and understanding. She tailors her techniques ...
Read more

Coffee with Luke – A Chat with Katrina Scott, Occupational Therapist at Adaptability Therapy

Image
In this episode of Coffee with Luke , we’re diving into the world of occupational therapy with a professional who knows the ins and outs of helping people live their best lives—Katrina Scott, an occupational therapist at Adaptability Therapy. A Heart for Helping Katrina has always had a passion for making a difference in people’s everyday lives. Occupational therapy is more than just a job for her; it’s a calling. Whether working with clients who need help adjusting after an injury or aiding those with lifelong conditions, Katrina focuses on finding practical ways to help them navigate daily tasks. Her goal? Empower her clients to live more independently and feel confident in their day-to-day activities. What Does an Occupational Therapist Do? If you’re unfamiliar with the role of an occupational therapist, Katrina explained it beautifully during our conversation. In her words, “Occupational therapy is all about assisting people in participating in the activities that are mean...
Read more

Welcome to "Coffee with Luke" – Connecting You with Brisbane's Best in Mental Health and Support Services

Hi there! My name is Luke Ransley, and I’m thrilled to welcome you to my new blog series, "Coffee with Luke." I’m a 28-year-old originally from Hobart, Tasmania, now living in the vibrant and beautiful city of Brisbane, Queensland. I’m passionate about mental health, support services, and connecting people with the professionals who can make a real difference in their lives. "Coffee with Luke" is more than just a blog—it's a series of conversations where I sit down with mental health professionals and support workers to get their insights on what they do, how they help people, and what makes their work so vital. Whether you're looking for a psychologist, a support worker, a speech therapist, a physiotherapist, a chiropractor, or any other professional in the field, my goal is to bring you closer to the people who can help. A Little About Me Living in Brisbane with my family, I've always been passionate about making connections and sharing stories. I beli...
Read more