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A mum-of-two took in 60 desperate people – as well as their pets – on Sunday night, in a touching moment amid a devastating crisis across North Queensland.

‘We had dogs, we had cats, I think a guinea pig – I think we ended up with about 16 families here,’ Ms Populin, who lives in Idalia in the city’s south, told the ABC.

Those who arrived at her home had called the SES for help as water inundated their homes, but there were simply too many to evacuate at one time.

‘So they started walking in… Because we had generators… I think people just realised, ”OK, they’ve got light” and headed towards the light,’ Ms Populin said.

‘We had a neighbour who had some sort of boat… and he was going out just around the street… Every time he’d say, ”I’ve got another family – is that OK?” and I said: ”Of course, bring them in”.’

The children of the neighbourhood sat in the theatre room of Ms Populin’s home, playing video games and watching movies, while the adults waited nervously and did their best to ‘ride it out’.

The Army arrived at the property several hours later – taking the 60 or so people by boat to the Lavarack Barracks.

Ms Populin has since returned to her home, which avoided any extensive damage.

Her neighbours, have dubbed Ms Populin and her family as ‘true heroes’.

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  • I remember this. She was awesome but seriously what else can you do. You dont turn people away.

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  • That is very generous. I hope I’d rse to the occasion too.

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  • Such inspirational stories of people’s decency, goodness and caring human behaviour.

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  • So lovely to see that there is still kind people in the world. Too often we only hear the negative things that are going on.

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  • Aw what a beautiful story! This is lovely to hear about, that lady is just amazing to help so many in need :)

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  • what a lovely story to come out of the devastating floods, it truly shows the Australian way in which we work – so lovely that she could provide shelter and support for so many :)

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  • A beautiful hospital giving heart, truly inspiring.

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  • What a wonderful big heart she has to do this for virtual strangers. I’m pleased the Army were able to move them but where did the animals go to?

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  • What a lovely kind generous person to take in 60 strangers.

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  • I lived in Townsville for 5 years so what’s happening up there breaks my heart. It’s stories like these that in amid all of the devastation is So heartwarming

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  • This is what genuine Aussie mate ship is all about – being ready to open your doors to no matter how many to keep them from harm. Pity this lady also had to evacuate later in the unfolding tragedy but at least she was willing to help while she was able.

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  • It’s so sad the the lady who took in so many others had to evacuate her home too.

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  • It’s sad that people would diss other peoples children. Shame to all those haters, but I am glad Bonds took action and control of the situation.

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  • These are the things that show as awful as these events are they do bring the best out in people.

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  • What a lovely thing to do. We can all do something to help another even if it is something as simple as opening the door.

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