Murwillumbah SES volunteers recognised with bravery awards for daring flood rescues in 2017

A group of Tweed SES volunteers have been recognised with bravery awards for daring and dangerous rescues during chaotic flooding. Here’s their story.

NSW SES Murwillumbah Unit members Alex Hetherington, Darren Pearson, Joe Frankland and Kenneth Harrison have been recognised with bravery awards.

Four Murwillumbah State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers have been recognised with bravery awards for daring rescues during the 2017 floods.

On the night of March 30, 2017, the Tweed River breached the South Murwillumbah levee, causing floodwaters to spill rapidly through the township and inundate properties.

The force of the water washed away and submerged cars and saw a flurry of calls to the SES.

Murwillumbah on March 30, 2017.

Darren Pearson, Joe Frankland, Alexander Hetherington, and Kenneth Harrison, alongside other volunteers, performed more than 40 rescues that night, from a young child aged two-years-old, to a pregnant woman and an elderly man in a wheelchair.

The force of the water was “so violent” it nearly flipped boats and made it difficult to avoid hazards.

NSW SES Murwillumbah Unit members Joe Frankland and Darren Pearson. Picture: NSW SES.

NSW SES Murwillumbah Unit members Joe Frankland and Darren Pearson. Picture: NSW SES.

“I have been in the SES for over 20 years and have been through several floods and there has been none even close to the ferocity of the water that night,” Mr Frankland said.

Mr Harrison and Mr Hetherington were completing a flood rescue about 3.00am when they hit debris in floodwater with the prop of the boat, causing them to go overboard.

“While we were returning into floodwater to complete another rescue, the boat hit a submerged car and tipped onto its side,” Mr Hetherington said.

“Alex was able to cling onto a nearby shade sail and I managed to climb up the stairs of a house.

“From there I climbed over the railing and put my leg out for Alex to grab and pulled him onto the veranda I was on.

Murwillumbah on April 2, 2017. Picture: Tracey Nearmy.

Stafford St, South Murwillumbah resembled a war zone after the 2017 floods. Picture: Scott Powick.

“We stayed at the house until daylight, when fellow SES members returned to collect us.

“Once we were back at the SES unit, we continued responding to calls for help.”

Mr Harrison said rescue teams from the unit retrieved more than 40 people from their homes after floodwater inundated South Murwillumbah.

He said the night brought the “worst conditions he’s worked in during 32 years in the SES”.

The four men have received Bronze Awards from the Royal Humane Society for their efforts.

Murwillumbah SES volunteers Brock Frankland, Dylan Pearson and Christopher Wihlborg were also on the water rescuing from homes and floodwaters on the night.

NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns thanked them for their selfless efforts.

NSW SES Murwillumbah Unit members and award recipients Alex Hetherington, Darren Pearson, Joe Frankland and Kenneth Harrison

“Our volunteers are constantly going above and beyond for the community, working hard to safeguard lives and homes during times of crises and uncertainty,” he said.

“These four members risked their own lives to come to the rescue of others in challenging circumstances, and I commend them for their efforts.

“They have achieved all of this while also balancing the demands of everyday life, and I commend them for their service.”