From tourist to Accidental Aid Worker: Sue Liu’s amazing work in Sri Lanka
Sue Liu was just a happy tourist when she visited Sri Lanka in 2004 but within months, she became one of the many unseen heroes who helped those affected by the most devastating tsunami to hit the Asia Pacific region in centuries.
The Express
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Sue Liu was just a happy tourist when she visited Sri Lanka in 2004 but within months, she became one of the many unseen heroes who helped those affected by the most devastating tsunami to hit the Asia Pacific region in centuries.
For the Sydney woman, helping people recover from a devastating natural disaster like the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, comes naturally, specially after she had just spend a very enjoyable visit in Sri Lanka.
Ms Liu helped the people of Sri Lanka, concentrating on the coastal town of Trincomalee, which was one of the worst hit on the island.
The tsunami killed more than 280,000 people in 11 countries, with Indonesia (126,473) and Sri Lanka (30,957) the worst hit, with thousands also missing.
In 2015, Sydney-based Ms Liu self-published an amazing / book about her experiences, Accidental Aid Worker, which is in its third reprint.
She will deliver a motivational talk at Campsie Library and Knowledge Centre on Wednesday, May 22, at 6pm, one of the many speaking jobs she does each week to promote her charity work.
“I had just come back from a magnificent visit to Sri Lanka and had met many wonderful people there,” Ms Liu recalled.
“So when I heard about this huge disaster in the Asia Pacific region, I had a moral responsibility to help the people of Sri Lanka.”
Ms Liu, a marketing consultant by profession, teamed up with a tour guide and a Catholic priest to deliver aid to those recovering on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka, which was then in the throes of a terrible civil war.
Her remarkable work stretched for 12 years and five visits to Sri Lanka, and remarkably included helping children in Cambodia, refugees and homeless people in Sydney.
“I am very proud of my book, which is a true reflection of my experiences,” Ms Liu said.
“It took me around one and half years to finish in 2015.
Ms Liu’s 398-page book has been praised by former NSW Governor, Dame Marie Bashir who called it an epic memoir.
Famous Australian writer Tom Kennelly was also gushing in his praise of Accidental Aid Worker, saying: “This is the tale of a woman who bravely opens doors and thus has astounding adventures and enlightenments. All in the context of what can only be called an adventure story and an extraordinary life.”
“I wanted to make a difference and during my motivating events, I tell people how they can use their power for good,”Ms Liu said.
“I am told that people, after listening to my talks, have looked at volunteering the very next day or starting their own ventures to help others.
““My story is all about community and what you can do to help those around you.
“Canterbury-Bankstown is a loving, multicultural community, which I know will understand the message of my book and embrace it.”
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She said that message was more important now in light of the recent terrorist attacks in New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
“With these recent events of violence, we’re confronted with the realities of what war and violence can do to tear at the veils that hold communities together,” Ms Liu said.
“This is a time when we all need to come together to help and support each other.”
The talk is free and signed copies of Accidental Aid Worker will be available for $35, with $5 from each book donated to charity.
Her book is available at book stores and also online via Amazon.
Talk details: 9789 9423, or visit cb.city/library
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