Sydney floods: Castle Hill RSL evacuation centre fills up

With waters rising and the rain continuing to fall they grabbed what they could and escaped. We’re at the Castle Hill evacuation centre as the first families arrive.

As the rain continues to fall dozens of families have started arriving at evacuation centres across the state.

Many of those who are at risk of losing their homes in Sydney have made their way to Castle Hill RSL where they will be processed and given what support they need.

Dozens of homeowners from Windsor, Marsden Park, Schofields, Quakers Hill, Riverstone and McGraths Hill received text messages from SES on Sunday night alerting them to start preparing for an evacuation.

Steve O’Donnell from McGraths Hill said he knew it was serious when Richmond Bridge and Windsor Bridge “went under” on Sunday morning.

Families are gathering at the flood evac centre at Castle Hill RSL

Mr O’Donnell, his wife Sam and their two kids Mahalia, 10, and Nate, 5, packed their belongings on Sunday evening and escaped from the floods first thing on Monday.

“We got the text message last night saying prepare to go. It just got close enough that we didn’t want to stay,” Mr O’Donnell said.

“The water was about 100m from our house.”

“We just didn’t want to be caught off guard.”

The father-of-two said he could see the water coming from McGrath Road after it travelled from behind Windsor boat ramp.

He said he rushed to pack the basics such as kids’ clothes and food for their pets as well as “irreplaceable items” like photographs and documents.

“Everything else we put up on the benches and hoped for the best,” he said.

When asked how confident he was about his home being spared, he said “not very.”

The O’Donnell family at Castle Hill RSL

“There’s houses 100m away which were under water,” he said.

“We’re the house on the corner. When you walked around the corner it looked like a dam,” he said.

“We stood there for about 10 minutes and it probably moved about one metre up the road.”

It is the second flood experience in a year for Mr O’Donnell.

“Last year we were on the other side of the river when the bridges went under so we were stuck at home for three days,” he said.

Luke Thompson and Kirsty Morris, from Balmain Road, McGraths Hill, left their home with their dog and cat on Monday morning.

Luke Thompson and Kirsty Morris

“There was flooding all around. The nearby park was filled with water. And it was coming up our road,” Mr Thompson said.

Ms Morris said they packed all their stuff on Sunday night.

“We saw all the water coming up, we knew it was a flood zone so we were prepared,” she said.

“Whatever happens happens, we just wanted to get out and get our loved ones and go.”

When asked if their property would be spared, she said she had no idea.

As of 3pm on Monday, there were about 50 evacuees at Castle Hill RSL.

They are first processed at a small registration area near the entrance before they can head upstairs to rest until they’ve been approved for accommodation.

They are given food vouchers to use at the RSL and are given three free days of free emergency accommodation at nearby sites including four-star hotel Quest at Castle Hill.

Hills SES commander Daniel McGovern said he had about 52 members active on the field with about flood rescue teams in the Wiseman’s Ferry, Cattai and Glenorie areas.

He urged residents not to enter flood waters after crews were called to a couple of rescues including a missing body boarder.

Flooding on Monday near Sackville .

“Don’t enter flood waters no matter how deep. Keep kids away from the waters,” he said.

“We had crews brought in to make sure the caravan parks were all evacuated.”

While he said storm jobs (particularly fallen trees) were currently “under control” he said that could change depending on strong winds.

He also warned that while persistent showers might stop for a day, he said waters will still be high and told residents to be careful.

He also urged residents not to park their cars under trees and to reach out to vulnerable neighbours.

Sand bags are available for residents to protect their homes or at creeks that are swelling.

The bags can be collected at the SES Hills Unit garage in Baulkham Hills.

“People can take what they need but not go overboard,” he said. It’s not a free thing.”

His team will be constantly monitoring water levels and help with evacuations.

“Keep calling 132 500 for assistance or if it’s life-threatening 000.

“Those who are requesting help please be patient. We are volunteers doing the best we can.”

More to come.