The singer/songwriter had planned a first-time meeting with friend and fellow musician Ollie Hall, who lives in the west end of Brisbane, but as the flood situation worsened, so did his chances of making it out for his Highlands holiday.

"We've been trying to tee up a date for months," she said.

"He was due to leave yesterday (Tuesday), but this morning he's watching the water come up his front yard from his living room."

Mr Hall was already packed with his most valuable possessions for his Highlands trip, his guitars and dog already dry and safe in his van, but Ms Chia couldn't help feeling helpless.

"I felt there's not much I can do for him, he's so far away..." she said.

But then she thought; "I'm not very well off, but I can take my guitar somewhere and sing. That's what I can do."

So it was off to Corbett Plaza recently, where many passers-by emptied their pockets of loose change or dug deep in their wallets to donate to the Queensland Premier's Flood Relief Appeal.

"We've just been thwarted at every turn," Ms Chia said.

"I'd put his things in my car and drive it up the hill if I could."

The pair made friends over Facebook once they realised they shared a common love for music and the same industry contacts.

It was to be the first time they would meet in person but, for now, all Ms Chia said she could do was use her talent to help those in need.

"My point is that nobody needs to feel helpless," she said.

"You may not be rich, but there's always something you can think of to do."

Visit www.qld.gov.au/floods/ donate to give to the Queensland Premier's Flood Appeal.

Meanwhile, Blue Illusion in Bong Bong Street, Bowral, will join the fundraising ranks tomorrow by giving 20 per cent of all sales between noon and 3pm to the flood relief appeal.