59 episodes
Healing a Broken World: Betty Souter in China, 1946 wozfubah
-
- History
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.
-
Episode 58 - 27 February 1947: Epilogue
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)
-
Episode 57 - 17 February 1947: Telegram
At last! Bet's finally coming home. And bringing Hank with her. (Image: Telegram 17 February 1947)
-
Episode 56 - 14 February 1947: Telegram
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)
-
Episode 55 - 8 February 1947: Are we there yet?
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)
-
Episode 54 - 5 February 1947: Port of Call, Lae, New Guinea
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)
-
Episode 53 - 18 January 1947: Telegram
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)