Fitzgibbon flood victim Alan Dishington remembered as ‘larger than life’ Harley enthusiast

A 59-year-old man killed in floodwaters on Brisbane’s northside has been remembered as a ‘larger than life’ character and enthusiastic member of a Harley Davidson motorcycle club.

A South East Queensland motorbike club is mourning the loss of a “larger than life member” who died after being swept away in floodwater on Brisbane’s northside.

Carseldine resident Alan Dishington, 59, had left his 4WD on dry land and was attempting to cross Cabbage Tree Creek Rd to get to his home when he was swept away about 4.15pm on Sunday.

Alan Dishington, 59, died after being swept away in floodwaters at Fitzgibbon, on Brisbane’s north.

Two people rushed to help Mr Dishington and performed CPR, but tragically he died at the scene.

Members of Gasoline Alley Hog Chapter said Mr Dishington, affectionately known as “Disho”, had joined their Harley Davidson motorcycle club just 12 months ago after buying his beloved Street Glide.

Alan Dishington was planning a trip to Darwin in June on his snake venom Street Glide.

The director of the club, who wished to be named only as Mav, said he had been helping Mr Dishington plan an 8000km round trip to Darwin for a state rally in June.

He described Mr Dishington as a “big man with a big presence”.

“He made himself known throughout the chapter on the rides and the social nights he attended,” Mav said.

“Quite often at the social night Alan would also bring his greatest fan – his mother Gayle.

“He was very proud of that bike and he was very enthusiastic member of the chapter.

“He’ll be missed for the larger than life character that he was.”

Mr Dishington is one of eight people who have lost their lives during the floods crisis that has wreaked havoc across southeast Queensland over the past week.

The floodwaters that tore through Cabbage Tree Creek Rd crossing had receded by Monday, leaving debris and branches.

Local residents told the Courier Mail that floodwaters had ripped through the streets around Cabbage Tree Creek on Sunday afternoon.

“It was really scary,” Fitzgibbon resident Wilson Kuzondishaya said.

“In 2011 those floods didn’t get this far to this side of the city … this time it was at our doorstop.”

It was also a hair-raising night for residents at Golden Downs retirement village, which backs onto Cabbage Tree Creek.

Trish Vass, 81, said one resident tripped and fell off his balcony and had to be rescued from the floodwaters by other residents.

“It’s never come up that high, ever,” she said.

“And I’ve been here coming up 22 years this year.”