That’s Emerald’s message to Maitland for its $12,639.47 donation to the flood-stricken Queensland town.

In January, Emerald was at the centre of one of the most devastating floods on record to hit central Queensland. The cost of the flood topped $1 billion.

But the generosity of our city has brought smiles to the faces of Emerald and they now affectionately refer to us as Mate-land.

“I’d like to say thank you to the people of Maitland,” Cr Col Brunker, who was chairman of the disaster committee for the January floods, said.

From Maitland’s donation, $5000 was given to the State Emergency Service and the remainder went the Emerald Neighbourhood Centre.

The Mercury and Maitland City Council each donated $5000, and the rest came out of the pockets of our caring city.

“We’re just so grateful,” Lorna Hicks, who runs the neighbourhood centre, said.

Cr Brunker was a fifth-generation Maitland boy before he left town in 1960 and was proud that his Hunter home was willing to offer a hand.

“I thought that’s a bloody fine gesture from the people of Maitland who have been devastated by floods before,” he said.

“To think of the people of Emerald and to put a collection together is just magnificent.

“I’ve never lost my allegiance or devotion to Maitland.

“I thought ‘wouldn’t it be great to let the people of Emerald know people in Maitland put their hand in their pocket to support them’.”

Mrs Hicks said she was 54 years to the day in Emerald when it flooded.

“It was devastating. People here have never seen anything to that extent. It’s a once-in-a-100-year thing.

“The money will go out to the people who are still struggling even though its months down the track.

“I think it’s wonderful. It’s a great help to them and it was very well appreciated.”

Acting Mayor Paul Bell said there had been a lot of support from the Maitland community.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of the Maitland people.

“The cheque we received was substantial.

“All of the money we received is now going to need families or families that have been adversely affected. Maitland people have done well.”

Half of the money went to the State Emergency Service (SES) to provide food and services, while the other half went to the neighbourhood centre, Cr Bell said.