By Lia Bichel
PAM Higgins was forced from her home during the floods last year but she had a reason to smile when a cyclone appeared last month.
The Narre Warren South resident was given a reminder of the day floods ripped through her Centre Road house and property and friends and strangers gathered in support to move her horses to dry land.
“It was overwhelming to have everyone help me,” Ms Higgins said.
“During the few hours of turmoil moving all my ponies to higher ground, my little stallion found an opportunity to serve one of my small mares, and I now have a beautiful foal that I have named Cyclone for obvious reasons.”
Cyclone was born on 14 January.
“The normal breeding time is 340 days, so Cyclone was four days overdue,” Ms Higgins said.
“Cyclone was definitely conceived during the floods because it was the only time the mare and my stallion were together.
“It’s great! Truly amazing!”
Cyclone brings a breath of fresh air to Ms Higgins who has had a tumultuous year.
She was forced to live in a caravan and said her rented house was still in need of repairs.
“Once the repairs are complete I will be selling my caravan,” Ms Higgins said.
“I never want to be in one again!”