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This series tells the story of UNRRA, The United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration, the first and largest international aid effort in human history. It's told through the eyes and letters of one of its staff, 29 year old Australian girl, Betty Souter. Few people now living have ever heard of UNRRA or the extraordinary urgent work it performed as the tide of World War 2 turned in favour of the allied nations. Millions upon countless millions of people were displaced, starving and homeless. They had no water, no power, and no hope. Interestingly, It’s a story that’s just as relevant today as our world faces its own challenges of political divisions, inequities, hunger, pandemic, and impending displacements of whole populations due to changing climate and rising sea levels.
Episodes
Sunday Feb 27, 2022
Sunday Feb 27, 2022
Bet's arrived back in Sydney with Hank firmly in tow. Her China adventure is over.
Stay subscribed to this podcast channnel for the announcement when Bet's full story is published - estimated March - May 2023.
(Image: Helen Polkinghorne & Warren Henry)
Thursday Feb 17, 2022
Thursday Feb 17, 2022
At last! Bet's finally coming home. And bringing Hank with her. (Image: Telegram 17 February 1947)
Monday Feb 14, 2022
Monday Feb 14, 2022
On the seeemingly endless voyage home Bet finds herself back in Lae. Maybe, just maybe, MV Reynella will depart for Australia on Saturday. (Image: Telegram 14 February 1947)
Tuesday Feb 08, 2022
Tuesday Feb 08, 2022
Bet is still drifting from one port to the next, collecting and dropping off cargo. The journey home seems endless. (Image: Snow finally arrived at the Nanchang Office, after Bet left. Here is her good mate, Marj Bloch, enjoying the new experience)
Saturday Feb 05, 2022
Saturday Feb 05, 2022
Bet and Hank are en-route to Sydney aboard a steamship, MV Reynella, which seems to want to visit just about everywhere else. A stop in Lae, New Guinea, affords Bet the opportunity to catch-up with an old school friend, Jeanette Leahy and her husband, Mick. (Image: Lae War Cemetary)
Tuesday Jan 18, 2022
Tuesday Jan 18, 2022
Bet has made it to Shanghai and finally found a ship, the MV Reynella, to bring her home. Little does she realise the route will look like tangled spaghetti! (Image: Telegram 18 January 1947)
Saturday Jan 08, 2022
Saturday Jan 08, 2022
Bet celebrates her first New Year's Eve party before leaving Nanchang for the final time. As always in China, the journey is never simple. (Image: Loading up the vehicle)
Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
Bet regales us with all the Christmas Festivities and goings on. Her tone is clouded with concern for her room-mate, Marj, who is very unwell. Mid letter she receives big news.(Image: Christmas joy rides for staff, family and friends)
Tuesday Dec 21, 2021
Tuesday Dec 21, 2021
Bet sends an important message home. (Image: Bet's telegram of 21 December 1946)
Friday Dec 17, 2021
Friday Dec 17, 2021
A short letter to her Godmother. Christmas might be near, but Bet is firmly focussed on heading home. (Image: No need to feel sad - Harry Bishop did find true love)
