ABSTRACT
The delicate and complex nature of the boundaries between philanthropy and the public and private sectors frequently becomes apparent when the ‘normal’ order is upset, when a crisis occurs or a disaster happens. Such instances also throw into sharp relief the difficult and different ways in which relationships across these areas are negotiated. This is prominently illustrated in the case of the natural disaster that hit Queensland in late December 2010 and early January 2011. At the time, significant flooding occurred; three-quarters of the state were declared as a disaster zone. Perspectives on, and approaches to, helping the victims did however differ markedly across different stakeholder groups, as is evident from the post-disaster timeline of activities. This vignette demonstrates the extent and intricacies of these differences, drawing on cited media reporting and public documents.
