WHEN Spencer Barrie, 12, unwrapped his brand new iPad mini after losing nearly all of his possessions in Cyclone Debbie, his face said it all.

"It's really cool!" he said.

When the category 4 system wiped through the Whitsunday region in March, the Barrie's Mt Julian home copped more than expected.

But it was Spencer's bedroom which received the worst damage. The ceiling above had caved in causing water to surge through the house.

A media student and lover of his electronics, Spencer said he was "sad" when he lost his Xbox, games and his (Nintendo) DS's.

But there was a glimmer of hope when Proserpine Rotary heard his story and presented him with a brand new iPad mini.

Rotary's Harry Benjamin said the gesture was initiated by president Jeff Boyle, who had won the iPad mini from a give-a-way by Hassalls and decided Spencer was deserving.

"It's great to see kids get what they need for education, particularly because so many people lost so much over the past few weeks," he said.

"Rotary has been working hard to get stuff for those who need it most."

Spencer's mum Emily said the home was slowly getting back to normal.

"It was practically raining inside," she said.

"We're very grateful to Rotary because they've been so helpful and supportive."

When asked what game he was most excited to play on his new device, Spencer's answer was simple - "anything!"