Elderly Brisbane woman behind ‘Australia smiling’ light show

A 73-year-old Brisbane woman has turned her concerns about the coronavirus pandemic into a bright message of hope for others.

Carole Woodland with her ‘Hang in there Australia’ lights at her home in Bracken Ridge. Picture: AAP/John Gass

A 73-YEAR-OLD Brisbane woman has turned her concerns about the coronavirus pandemic into a bright message of hope for others.

Carole Woodland of Bracken Ridge has pulled out her drill and Christmas lights to create a small display of “happy lights” which includes a smiling Australia and the words ‘Hang in there Australia’ and ‘Hope’.

Ms Woodland is no stranger to light displays – she’s been dubbed Christmas Carole in her street after creating amazing light displays in her front yard for the past six years.

FLASHBACK TO 2015: Carole Woodland's homemade Christmas decorations light up her street in Bracken Ridge. Picture: Jacqueline Henry

She makes all her lit-up signs and figures herself in her efforts to bring a smile to people who stop by.

Now, with people increasingly self isolating and the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths rising, she’s created her latest display as much for herself as for others.

MORE NEWS:

Thousands across the world dress-up for bin day costume party

School passes test of home schooling program

Hundreds moved on at northside beaches

“I’m feeling overwhelmed,” she said.

“This is the most incredible thing that has ever happened in our lifetime.

“Look at all the people who are dying. It’s so unnecessary, it’s bad enough we lose people at any time.

“There are so many sad people around.

This lights map of Australia, with a smile from Western Australia to Queensland, sits seven metres up in a tree in Carole Woodland's front yard. Picture: Michelle Smith

“You can’t move out of your house, kids are going crazy, and elderly people can’t see their relatives.

“I want to get this message across to as many Australians as possible – we’ve just got to hang in there.

“I just wish there was more we can do.”

Ms Woodland said she started self isolating about a month ago.

“I thought I’d be much better to stay out of harm’s way,” she said.

“Then when we were told to stay at home I didn’t like it. I’d like to go out but if I knew I’d given it (coronavirus) to someone else I’d never forgive myself.

“I’m lucky, I’ve got a roof over my head and food.”

Get 28 days digital access free (T&Cs apply)

That’s when Ms Woodland decided to create her “happy lights”.

“I just felt even if it gives someone a smile for 30 seconds it serves its purpose,” she said.