Tribute to tragedy
Calls to mark flood disaster
GRIEF still grips the Tweed almost 12 months since floodwaters caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie claimed six lives.
Civic and community leaders are calling on the Tweed to mark the one-year anniversary at the end of next month, acknowledging the pain that is still felt, honouring the memory of the people who perished and paying tribute to locals who rallied.
The remnants of the cyclone tore through the Tweed on March 30.
Stephanie King and two of her children, Ella-Jane and Jacob, died when their car plunged into the Tweed River near Tumbulgum. Another daughter, Chloe-May, 8, managed to escape the sinking car and ran 200m to a farmhouse to raise the alarm.
Matthew Roser, Marc Austin and Gitana Schiphoni died in separate incidents at Murwillumbah and Upper Burringbar. On the Gold Coast, the former cyclone dumped 900mm in about 36 hours, flooding parts of the city including Oxenford where the causeway bridge to Mt Tamborine was destroyed.
Tweed Mayor Katie Milne said yesterday the council would mark the anniversary, but most likely on March 29.
“I think the community’s come through a really hard time and it’s obviously been a really hard year for a lot of people but there’s been some good progress,” Cr Milne said.
“There are a lot of people who are still suffering. We still need to support those people as well and acknowledge their loss.”
Proceeds from the Mayor’s Flood Appeal had been distributed, but some grant money remained available for an anniversary event.
Richmond MP Justine Elliot said it would be a “good idea to reflect... on the number of people that passed away during the flood”.
“Also it’s a time to remember the strong community spirit that was there in times of need,” she said.
Tumbulgum pastor Rob Stuttle said he would remember tragedy while celebrating humanity.
“Often in times of tragedy, you see the good side of humanity,” he said.
“There was a lot of grief and trauma. Just the way people gave their time... it’s very much the Aussie spirit when people come out and help.”
Murwillumbah resident Trish Webster said it might help “give people closure”.