Residents in the southern Queensland border town of Inglewood have started the clean-up after floodwaters inundated homes and businesses.
Locals have been allowed back into the town after nearly 800 people were evacuated to the cemetery on Tuesday night.
Bridget Coleman has lived in her creekside home for 50 years and made the decision to stay as the floodwaters rose.
She said she had lost everything downstairs.
"Fifty years of planning and saving all washed down the drain," Ms Coleman said.
"The water came all-around at a terribly fast pace; it was blowing and knocked everything down."
When her son Donald waded through the waist-deep water to assess the damage, what he saw was incomparable to previous floods.
"With the last ones [floods] we just did a clean-up, not like this one, it's just wrecked everything," Mr Coleman said.
"This is where I was bought up. It's sad but you've got to go ahead.
"You don't care what possessions you lost, that's replaceable. Life's not."
Close call for some
While the floodwaters had been devastating for many residents, others breathed a sigh of relief.
Rhiannon Hoey said she was pleasantly surprised when she returned to her home.
Although her property was under water, she said the damage was less than expected.
"There were a lot of tears yesterday, thinking that I would have a lot of damage and a lot of possessions gone," Ms Hoey said.
"What I've returned to, though, is not much damage, no house damage, it didn't go into my house at all.
"I've got a lot of gardening to do and some fencing, but that's about it. So I'm really elated!"
Catch the country spirit
The community spirit of Inglewood has been on display since the clean-up began, with residents offering a helping hand to those in need.
Locals have been rallying around the local supermarket after it sustained more than $50,000 worth of damage.
Owner Kim Rush said she was overwhelmed by the support.
"Every business has suffered here," Ms Rush said.
"It's just absolutely amazing support."
