Red Cliffs Rallies After Record Flood Devastation
The community of Red Cliffs has demonstrated remarkable resilience and solidarity in the wake of a devastating record-breaking downpour that left many residents shocked and displaced. In the immediate aftermath of the deluge, a collaborative effort involving the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Mildura Rural City Council, and passionate community members swung into action, establishing a vital assistance hub at the Red Cliffs civic centre.
The centre quickly became a focal point for those who had been forced to flee their homes, with council’s deputy municipal recovery manager, Geoff Burr, noting the emotional toll on many attendees. “A lot of emotional people” sought refuge and support at the civic centre, he observed, highlighting the profound impact of the flooding. Authorities strongly advised residents to stay informed by listening to the radio for official updates and to register with the Salvation Army’s recovery centre, located at the corner of Etiwanda Avenue and Fourteenth Street. This registration is crucial for ensuring authorities can maintain contact and provide ongoing assistance to those affected.
Community Spirit Shines Through Adversity
Sergeant Major David Bartlett of the Red Cliffs Salvation Army lauded the unwavering community spirit that emerged during this challenging period. “It’s a team effort – we are supporting people emotionally and feeding them,” Mr. Bartlett stated, underscoring the multifaceted support being offered. He described the volunteers as acting as a “sounding board for people’s emotions,” providing a much-needed outlet for residents grappling with the trauma of the floods.
Personal Accounts of Flood Ordeal
The personal stories emerging from the floodwaters paint a stark picture of the disruption and fear experienced by residents. David Norris, 39, recounted his anxiety over the safety of his children as water began to seep through the floorboards of his home on his Irymple fruit block. “There was about three inches of water in our house and we pumped it out from underneath,” he shared, illustrating the immediate threat and the quick actions taken to mitigate damage.
Further compounding the distress, Janine Wright and Trevor Brown, a couple from Irymple Avenue, endured a gruelling 48 hours without sleep as they desperately battled to prevent their home from being inundated. “We have had to keep going back to check the water levels at our house,” Mr. Brown explained. He expressed frustration with onlookers, stating, “Clowns driving past our house for a sticky beak are doing us no favours. People don’t realise that every time they drive past, they push water into our house.” The couple also faced the heartbreaking decision to leave their dogs behind, as the rising waters made it impossible for the animals to move freely or attend to their needs.
Ms. Wright vividly described the dire conditions within their home. “We have no power, no food, no water and not even any candles,” she revealed. The darkness posed a significant hazard, with Ms. Wright recounting, “I tripped over our dogs in the darkness while walking around with light from my cigarette lighter.” In a poignant twist of fate, Ms. Wright received a call from a girlfriend who had survived the cyclone in Cairns, only to respond, “Actually, we are the ones who are flooded now.” Her resilience shone through as she added, “You have to laugh because if you don’t laugh, you will cry.”
Relief Efforts and Ongoing Support
John Burfitt, a Salvation Army volunteer from Red Cliffs, spoke of the emotional toll his efforts had taken. “I am doing everything I can to help out everyone – I took some scones and a casserole to residents of houses in Irymple,” he said, demonstrating the tangible ways the community is supporting each other. Mr. Burfitt also voiced concerns about the long-term morale of the community, particularly after the hardships of recent droughts, suggesting the potential need for initiatives like a men’s shed to address ongoing mental health challenges.
Mary Chandler, a 75-year-old resident of Red Cliffs, detailed the significant impact the floods had on the nearby township of Cardross. “The main street, Dairtnunk Avenue, was wrecked,” she reported. She vividly recalled scenes of children kayaking on the football oval, which was submerged under five to six feet of water. Ms. Chandler expressed immense gratitude for the tireless efforts of Peter Crisp, the local Member of Parliament. “Peter Crisp has been everywhere to see how he can help,” she said. “We are very lucky to have a Member of Parliament who will go out and work so tirelessly. Cardross and Red Cliffs are known for their great community spirit – hopefully that will help them through.”
The extreme weather event also led to the cancellation of Red Cliffs’ monthly market, a popular community gathering.
Temporary Homes and Future Uncertainty
A second relief centre was established at the South Mildura Football Club, providing a temporary sanctuary for several residents, primarily from Irymple, who were evacuated early on Saturday. Among them was Elaine Lake, who was later offered emergency accommodation at the Apex RiverBeach Holiday Park.
Facing an uncertain future with her Irymple flat submerged, Ms. Lake expressed her appreciation for the support from the Mildura Rural City Council in securing accommodation. “I don’t know what I am going to do about another house – but that the housing commission’s problem,” she stated pragmatically. Her primary focus remained on survival: “All that matters is that I’m alive and I’m safe.” Reflecting on her experience, the 77-year-old remarked, “It’s another experience – I’m 77 years of age and I’m still learning things.” Ms. Lake, who insisted on staying with her beloved dog of 15 years, Gem, expressed greater concern for families with young children who had been forced to evacuate than for her own situation, highlighting a profound sense of empathy amidst personal loss.
