Emotional homecoming for first Wujal Wujal residents returning to country following Far North flood

Flooded roads haven’t stopped Wujal Wujal’s first residents from returning home this week, almost four months to the day since the entire remote Indigenous community was evacuated via helicopter.

Wujal Wujal was evacuated following the Far North flood in December. Record rainfall caused by Tropical Cyclone Jasper prior to the flood led to the Bloomfield River swelling to catastrophic levels, forcing residents onto their rooftops. Picture: Kiley Hanslow

Flooded roads haven’t stopped Wujal Wujal’s first residents from returning home this week, almost four months to the day since the entire remote Indigenous community was evacuated via helicopter.

Around half-a-dozen community members crossed the threshold before rising rivers stopped dozens more on their pilgrimage on Wednesday, marking the end to an “incredibly difficult” period, disconnecting traditional owners from their country.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Leeanne Enoch acknowledged the hardship Wujal Wujal residents had endured in Parliament earlier this week. Picture: Liam Kidston

Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council Kiley Hanslow said it was the first of many emotional homecomings in store for the township that was devastated by the December flood event.

“There’s been a lot of recovery work,” Ms Hanslow said. “A lot of great things have been done by Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, CEQ (Community Enterprise Queensland), police, ambulance, Jabalbina (Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation), QBuild, My Pathway and so many other stakeholders that have helped us to get where we are today.

“The local contractors, plumbers, electricians – everyone has done so much.

“It’s been very difficult for people to leave their homes. It’s been a massive adjustment and living out of a hotel (for some) can’t be that comfortable.

“Some residents may not return but we expect most will be back sometime around May.”

A staggered return to Wujal Wujal for residents will come with new mayor Alister Gibson to lead the township’s recovery efforts.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister, Leeanne Enoch, paid tribute to the community’s resilience in Parliament this week.

“To say that this extended disconnection from country has been incredibly difficult for this community is an understatement,” Ms Enoch said.

“All 91 homes in Wujal Wujal that sustained varying degrees of damage from ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper will be repaired by the end of this week, which is an incredible outcome.

“The community store, which is opening later this month, has been rebuilt by QBuild even better than before, with a new coolroom, disability friendly amenities and a brand-new fit-out.”

Wujal Wujal following the record flood that led to the community’s evacuation in December. Picture: Kiley Hanslow

Ms Enoch said CEQ was finalising work on its new shop and training employees to ensure trading resumes soon while a temporary health facility has been built and fitted out to meet the community’s clinical needs.

Heavy rain earlier in the week cut off roads near the McLeod and Little Annan River, forcing some residents to delay their return.

“It’s an amazing feeling and we’re really looking forward to the community coming home now,” Ms Hanslow said.

Following the flood, Wujal Wujal residents have been living in communities across the Far North, including Cooktown, Mossman, Cairns and on the Atherton Tablelands.

Originally published as Emotional homecoming for first Wujal Wujal residents returning to country following Far North flood