Teamwork Performs Wonder

Illawarra Mercury

Monday September 28, 1998

By TINA SORENSON

The school of hard knocks has taught Figtree storm victims Terry and Colleen Mowbray to soldier on, no matter what.

So when QBE twice rejected their $50,000 insurance claim they organised a working bee.

Friends, neighbours and members of Wollongong's Lighthouse Christian Centre yesterday descended on their O'Donnell Dr home with hammers and drills.

By the day's end they had fitted out the shell of the storm-ravaged house with new Gyprock walls paid for by the church.

It's a load off the minds of the couple who have struggled to care for their disabled sons Robbie, 19, and Daniel, 12, since the August 17 deluge.

``We can't thank people enough for the help we have received," Mrs Mowbray said. ``But it's hard waiting for news from QBE."

Although the couple's $50,000 household contents claim was approved by NRMA, QBE has so far rejected their claim for structural damage.

When their appeal to the company was rejected, the Mowbrays hired an independent hydrologist who found stormwater to be the cause of damage.

``We have sent the report to QBE and hope it will convince them to reconsider their initial decision," Mr Mowbray said. The family hopes to move back into the house in the next two to three weeks.

In the meantime, they will stay with their son Daniel, 12, and daughter Tara, 10, at Mr Mowbray's mother's house.

``It's difficult because she has a spa bath and it's deep to bathe our eldest son in when he comes home," Mrs Mowbray said. Robbie, 19, lives in a group home but returns to the family four days a week.

``He's in nappies so hygiene dictates that he needs a proper wash; but we can't not bring him home because he frets," Mrs Mowbray said.

Wollongong rallied to help the Mowbrays who lost their car and all their possessions in the storm.

More than 40 people helped strip their mud-filled home; Wollongong City Council removed four loads of rubbish; and a Yallah businessman offered to refurnish their home.

One man gave them a $100 cheque. A Unanderra car dealer gave them free use of a vehicle.