Cyclone Yasi tore through Cardwell's Lyndoch Motor Inn, flinging the roof in the paddock behind the property and destroying 30 of the 40 rooms.

But 12 months later aerial shots showcase how far the business has come and what has been accomplished during the recovery journey.

By April replacement furniture will arrive to fill the last of the rebuilt rooms, a major step towards manager Leanne Leeson’s goal of "returning to normal". She says 2011 was intense but she is focusing on counting her blessings in 2012 – every little one.

"I decided a while ago I didn’t have any more cry in me, and from then it was get in or get out," she said.

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"Right now every little thing feels like a blessing, whether it is having the power back on, being able to use a certain switch or moving back into my residence after months in a motel room.

"I appreciate the small things now after going through Yasi. I am thankful for the things I have and I am looking forward to a fantastic 2012."

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