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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
Feb 27, 2022
Feb 27, 2022
35 min
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)
Feb 17, 2022
Feb 17, 2022
1 min
At last! Bet's finally coming home. And bringing Hank with her. (Image: Telegram 17 February 1947)
Feb 14, 2022
Feb 14, 2022
1 min
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)
Feb 8, 2022
Feb 8, 2022
26 min
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)
Feb 5, 2022
Feb 5, 2022
18 min
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)
Jan 18, 2022
Jan 18, 2022
1 min
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)
Jan 8, 2022
Jan 8, 2022
22 min
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)
Dec 29, 2021
Dec 29, 2021
24 min
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)
Dec 21, 2021
Dec 21, 2021
3 min
Bet sends an important message home. (Image: Bet's telegram of 21 December 1946)
Dec 17, 2021
Dec 17, 2021
10 min
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)
