Rally For Relief

A series of floods hit Australia, beginning in December 2010, primarily in the state of Queensland including its capital city, Brisbane. The floods forced the evacuation of thousands of people from towns and cities.  At least 70 towns and over 200,000 people were affected.  Damage initially was estimated at around A$1 billion. The estimated reduction in Australia's GDP is about A$30 billion.  Three-quarters of the state of Queensland was declared a disaster zone, and at least 31 people have been killed.

In Melbourne on January 16th, the Australian Open preparations were put on hold for the "Rally for Relief" exhibition match in aid of those affected by the Queensland floods.  I was lucky enough to get a ticket, while Darren went to the cricket at the MCG.


A sold-out Rod Laver Arena witnessed Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt captain teams made up of the likes of Andy Roddick, Andy Murray and Ana Ivanovic, followed by a match between dream team doubles combinations Roger Federer/Rafael Nadal and Kim Clijsters/Sam Stosur.
Much-needed funds were raised for flood victims, while the audience inside and outside at Garden Square were entertained and amused by the superstars' shenanigans - everyone that is except for Hewitt's son, Cruz, who was a little overwhelmed by the centre court experience.

Baby Eilidh - 2 weeks old and already been to the cricket and the tennis!