HEROES OF THE FLOODS
‘HOW WE PULLED TOGETHER’
COURAGEOUS LOCALS RISKED LIFE AND LIMB TO RESCUE THOSE WHO WERE TRAPPED
Stranded families across Australia’s east coast faced some of the worst floods on record in their tight-knit communities. Many had to scramble onto their roofs to escape the fastflowing water, which tore through their homes. Others weren’t so lucky.
As the death toll rose and the number of those missing continued to grow, residents who couldn’t get through to the police or the SES made desperate cries for help via social media. Community heroes responded to their calls with astounding bravery.
Brayden Love was one of the many selfless locals in Lismore, northern NSW, who answered those heartbreaking calls for help. But the humble dad – who carried out daring flood rescues in his kayak with a dislocated shoulder – insists he’s no hero. When his community was hammered by flash flooding, Brayden couldn’t stand by and do nothing.
“Being a stubborn Aussie idiot, I said ‘bugger that’, chucked on my life vest and off I went,” says the 30-year-old father of one.
At one point, Brayden was swimming through the filthy floodwaters with two elderly men and a rabbit hutch on his single kayak.
“The gentlemen were stuck in their house, all their stuff was just floating around. They weren’t strong enough to move it out the way. The doors were unlocked so I just muscled my way through.
“I helped them out one by one, put them onto the kayak and gave them a life vest each.”
Brayden, who plays footy for his local team the Lismore Swans, saved someone else who was adrift on a boogie board.
“I paddled out and threw the young dude over the front of my kayak. I paddled him to safety and told him where the evacuation centre was.
“I didn’t ask his name, my head was just trying to get back and see if there’s anyone else or an animal I could help. I could hear dogs squealing in distress, so it was pretty much just dropping and running.”
Animal lover Brayden lost count of the people he assisted. He even risked his life to save petrified pets. In one house, he found a dog floating on a cushion with only 15 centimetres of air left.
“I swam through the front door and into the air pocket in the lounge room. I grabbed the pup and then with a swift dunk under the water I swam back through the front door and got back onto my kayak.”
‘I WAS TRYING TO GET BACK AND SEE IF THERE WAS ANYONE ELSE I COULD HELP’
However, Brayden refuses to be singled out for his brave actions.
“The community really pulled together,” says Brayden. “As emotional as it was, everywhere I looked I could hear boats and the army chopper. It was a beautiful sight because you know you’re safe.”
Brayden, his fiancé Jennavene, 29, and their 5-year-old daughter, Frejya, are currently living with his father, who is awaiting a heart transplant.
All their furniture, which was in storage, has been washed away by the flood. But this true-blue Aussie hero is simply thankful they’re alive.
“We’ve lost all our belongings, but we’re safe.”
Despite awaiting surgery for his right shoulder, which was injured in a car crash 11 years ago, Brayden persevered on his kayak for three days.
“My shoulder was very, very sore,” he adds. “I had a few dislocations and popped it back in so I could keep moving. People still need help now and I don’t feel satisfied with my efforts yet. But my arm is hanging off my body, so I’ve had to stop.”
After having a long, hot shower, Brayden is looking forward to cuddling his daughter and taking a nap on the lounge.
“I’ve only had about three and a half hours of sleep over the last three days.”
Yet, in spite of his courageous actions, Brayden says he’s no hero.
“Nah, I’m just the kind of person who hates knowing people or animals need help.”