New parents NICOLE KIDMAN and KEITH URBAN have paid tribute to the “spirit” of their fellow Australians following the devastating floods in Queensland earlier this month (Jan11).

The state was plunged into a state of emergency as heavy rain caused massive flooding throughout the region – at least 25 people have died and thousands of residents have been forced to flee their homes.

Kidman and Urban, who welcomed new daughter Faith Margaret via surrogate last month (Dec10), have family ties in the area and they have now spoken of their pride in their country’s reaction in the wake of the disaster.

The actress tells Sydney’s Daily Telegraph, “It’s the amazing spirit of people when something like this hits. Every day we followed it and we were seeking it out.”

While Urban adds, “I had people texting me from all over the States saying, ‘Is your family okay?’ They’re all alright, thank goodness. I was there for the 1974 floods and I remember it so vividly. It was surreal to see the same images again.”