Call to reflect on Tweed flood tragedies caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie

GRIEF still grips the Tweed almost 12 months since floodwaters caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie claimed six lives.

GRIEF still grips the Tweed almost 12 months since floodwaters caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie claimed six lives.

Civic and community leaders are calling on the Tweed to mark the one-year anniversary at the end of next month, acknowledging the pain that is still felt, honouring the memory of the people who perished and also paying tribute to the spirit shown as locals rallied in a time of need.

Tweed Heads State Emergency Services Swift Water Rescue crew and Tweed Heads Police move into Chinderah to assist with relocating locals.

The remnants of the cyclone tore through the Tweed on March 30.

Stephanie King and two of her children, Ella-Jane and Jacob, died when their car plunged into the Tweed River near Tumbulgum. Another daughter, Chloe-May, was just eight at the time but managed to escape the sinking car and ran 200 metres to a farmhouse to raise the alarm.

Matthew Roser, Marc Austin and Gitana Schiphoni died in separate incidents at Murwillumbah and Upper Burringbar.

Celebrating the lives of Stephanie King and her children Ella-Jane and Jacob at their funeral on April 12, 2017.

On the Gold Coast, the former cyclone dumped 900mm in about 36 hours, flooding parts of the city including Oxenford where the causeway bridge to Mt Tamborine was destroyed.

Tweed Mayor Katie Milne said yesterday the council would mark the anniversary, but most likely on March 29.

“I think the community’s come through a really hard time and it’s obviously been a really hard year for a lot of people but there’s been some good progress,” Cr Milne said.

“There are a lot of people who are still suffering. We still need to support those people as well and acknowledge their loss.”

A white pantec truck is smashed to pieces under the railway culvert at Green Hills on the Tweed Valley Way at Green Hills after heavy flooding washed around 25 cars off the road surface during the rain deluge. Photo: Scott Powick/ Tweed Daily News

Proceeds from the Mayor’s Flood Appeal had been distributed, but some grant money remained available for an anniversary event.

“We want the community to come together,” she said.

“It was wonderful the amount of help the community had for each other during that time. It’s an opportunity to thank people again for that.”

Richmond MP Justine Elliot said it would be a “good idea to reflect ... on the number of people that passed away during the flood”.

“Also it’s a time to remember to strong community spirit that was there in times of need,” she said.

Ilze Jaunberzins, Pastor Rob Stuttle, Jenny Kidd and Tweed mayor Katie Milne are pushing for a commemorative event to remember the anniversary of the March 2017 floods.

Tumbulgum pastor Rob Stuttle said he would remember tragedy while celebrating humanity.

“Often in times of tragedy, you see the good side of humanity,” he said.

“There was a lot of grief and trauma. Just the way people gave their time ... it’s very much the Aussie spirit when people come out and help.”

Murwillumbah and District Chamber of Commerce president Ilze Jaunberzins said the chamber would commemorate the anniversary at its March meeting.

Murwillumbah resident Trish Webster said a memorial event might help “give people closure”.