When second-year Agribusiness student Charlotte Hood saw the devastating images of the floods in western Queensland, she felt a call to action.
From her room at College, more than 1500km from the floods, Charlotte said she felt helpless.
“I contacted someone I knew who had been directly affected by the floods, and it was then I began to grasp the severity of the situation.
“That conversation highlighted a gap between what we hear about from a distance and the reality on the ground,” Charlotte said.
That late-night moment sparked what became the Rising Together Flood Charity Ball, held at Brisbane City Hall, and attended by 500 guests, including the Honourable Timothy Nicholls.
In just three days, Charlotte and fellow organisers Bella Hanson and Amy Kuhne pulled together sponsors, secured a venue, rallied a team, and brought the event to life.
“The tight timeframe certainly brought its challenges, however, what stood out most throughout the process was the generosity of those around us.
“People stepped forward on their own, offering help in all kinds of ways, whether through practical support, donations, or guidance when we weren’t sure of the next step
The result? A staggering $322,000 raised for Farm Angels, a charity that provides practical recovery support to farmers and rural families affected by natural disasters.
Charlotte said that while she and the two other organisers, have received much of the recognition, “our role was just one small part of a much broader effort”.
Now back at College for the second trimester, Charlotte reflects on the experience with pride and gratitude—and a renewed sense of purpose.
“Marcus has shown me that leadership is something you develop over time through experience, rather than something you simply set out to do.”
Charlotte said Marcus instils the importance of collaboration, the mindset to give things a try even when you are outside your comfort zone and that with a willingness to listen and learn it’s okay not to have all the answers at the start.