Tyler Skiller, Major Singh: Gympie, 2022 flood heroes revealed

They saved lives. They ran free barbecues and worked 16 hours a day so stranded travellers had access to food and water. They did what the could for their Gympie friends and family, then headed south to do what they could in Lismore. They are our flood heroes and we salute them.

The flood heroes of the Gympie 2022 floods are almost impossible to name in full.

So many people from all walks of life helped out their neighbours, friends, colleagues and family – not just the heroes who do this kind of thing regularly – the rural fireys, the SES crews, the police and other emergency workers – but teachers and tradies and farmers and nurses, and many more.

Together they contributed to the enormous community spirit that shines through whenever the chips are down and the Gympie Times asked readers on social media to tell us about just a few of them.

People like Tyler Skiller, who put his tinny in the flood waters and delivered milk to those families who needed it in the Mary Valley.

Mary Valley flood hero Tyler Skiller.

People like Major Singh at the Liberty Service Station on the Monkland. The service station became a safe haven for about 300 Bruce Highway travellers when the Mary River rose rapidly and stranded those travellers on the southern outskirts of Gympie.

Sarah Bartel gave a shout out on the Gympie Times page to the “generous and helpful” Major Singh, who took care of dozens of stranded people … “went above and beyond”.

Mr Singh, who moved to Australia from India five years ago, worked 16-hour days to ensure those people remained fed and watered.

Flood hero – Major Singh

It’s these examples of regular people who did extraordinary things in their community’s time of need that made all the difference to many families and individuals.

Rebecca Bodycote gave a shout out to the emergency service workers who were away from their families to make sure the people in flooded areas had help if they needed it.

Lisa Robinson did a heartfelt callout to Jess Love, Steve Clough and Colin Bailey “for saving my son from the floodwaters”.

The girls at the Jones Hill store got a special shout-out because they “kept Jones Hill going, especially when you gave out bags of ice so we could save some items when the power went out. Jones Hill and Southside are a lot more built up since the last flood a better flood plan for us would be beneficial”.

Kayla Stuffins helped run bree barbecues during the floods at the One Mile Ovals.

“Also the fireman Ben Martin, who was such a lovely man. Kept checking on all of us as we were cut off from everything. The lady (Kayla Stuffins) who has been running the free bbq at One Mile, what a legend. There will be so many.”

Ingrid Mozart gave a shout out to “Melody’s Angels at One Mile” who “went much further than a mile to help an elderly friend who lost almost everything”.

Sharon Kerridge thanked all of her “awesome staff at Gympie Pet Supplies JODIE JYE JAMIE. The biggest Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. working above and beyond. There is no way we could achieve what we do without you guys.

“And let‘s not forget Warren, Brett, Anthea, Madi, Taylah, Scott, Ben. Super special mention to Gordon.”

Lea Flynn said the amazing Gympie community spirit “is the true hero hero. Hats off to all of you on how you tirelessly supported each other”.

Phillip Dickenson was given a shout out for helping local builders.

Joe Horvat was nominated by Nancy Kim, and Mikaela Sima was nominated by Martin Morris.

Gympie Roadcraft CEO Sharlene Makin nominated her hubby Trevor.

“Trevor Makin was absolutely amazing and invaluable in this crisis. Two long days, plus a bit, evacuating his own work, Porter’s Earthworx then he packed a bag and came to my work, Roadcraft, knowing we would be stuck there.

“He worked liked a Trojan for Roadcraft from mid morning to 1am Saturday then shifted more stuff on Saturday morning as the water continued to rise. He was also checking another neighbouring businesses whose owner couldn’t get there and reporting back. We got a helicopter home on the Sunday which meant we were able to help friends in their flooded house all day Monday. Then the next day it was the clean up at Porter’s.

Trevor Makin got a special shout out from his wife for his huge efforts in helping with the floods.

Lyndall Lou Dawson thanked Shanti Lau.

“Not only did she lose most of her belongings when her house flooded, however she has been helping others clean up their homes and is heading to Lismore to help them as well……. What a woman.”

“Brad and his team at Dominos for helping out and offering his staff to also assist and for feeding those who didn’t know they needed it,” posted Mel Clift.

“The SES are amazing,” said Cynthia Toonen.

Mel J Daniel nominated Cassandra Taylor from Anarra Wildlife Rescue Gympie.

Trent Wilkins shouted out to Tyler Skiller: “The bloody legend was in his own boat doing a massive milk run so people didn‘t go without,” he said.

Talia Diatchenco said “there were plenty of people that helped out there. Small or big. It‘s what we do. Your friend down the road, a stranger. Police, SES, Army etc. The most important thing is they all got out there. No badge of honour is needed.”

Donna Anderson said “How do you name one? Everyone who helped, big or small, are heroe (sic)”.

Bridget Askey did a shout out to Luke Bishop.

Megan Tombs nominated Noels Wright: “This women has done everything she can to help and posting about it to make other aware for how they can help”.

Bianca Dicker said “Plenty of them in free for the needy not greedy Matt Towers and many more”.

Kirsten Louise from the Kandanga Hotel, John Brennan, John Bates, Tracey Clarke, Matty Hunter, Leah Groth and Callan Groth were recognised.

Flood hero Kirsten Louise from the Kandanga Hotel.

Janie Goldsmith nominated Krissy Soulwise.

Courtney Cross, Adam Cross, Bodie Torr were nominated as “absolute legends”.

Simran Kaur gave a shout out to Manpreet Kaler.

“She is 1 in million. she fed needy ones who stuck in town,” he said.

Helen Doran nominated Rachael Black, who then shouted out to her team of Bella Allen, Matt Towers, Sharon Hall, Shelli Robins and Ilka Dahms.

“Ohhh the list goes on and on and I’m sorry if I missed any of you beautiful people,” she said.

Nate brock from The Palms area an absolute boss went to a new level of a human being.