Carina Chesson: Ingham State High School teacher a flood-disaster ‘local legend’
A highly regarded and well-loved North Queensland teacher has been honoured for her efforts as a floody legend during the Hinchinbrook disaster in February.
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A highly regarded and well-loved North Queensland teacher has been honoured for her efforts as a floody legend during the Hinchinbrook disaster in February.
Queensland Premiere David Crisafulli said Ingham State High School institution Carina Chesson was one of five public servants honoured in the ‘Local Legends’ campaign, “recognising Queenslanders and local businesses who make our State great”.
The award ceremony was held on Queensland Day on Friday, 166 years after the state ceded from New South Wales.
According to the Queensland Day Local Legends website, Ms Chesson became a “lifeline for her community” during the devastating and deadly floods.
“A dedicated teacher and local character, she conducted welfare checks, coordinated rescues and managed supplies across the township,” the website said.
“Working alongside the SES and Defence Force, she ensured food, clothing and vital updates reached those in need.”
Even after sustaining damage to her own property, Ms Chesson’s home became a hub of relief efforts, “offering food, clothing and support to those in need”.
“Carina cooked, cleaned and comforted, ran her veranda like a laundry, never asking others to do what she wouldn’t.”
The Local Legends website said her actions exemplified courage, resilience and “an unwavering commitment to helping others in times of crisis”.
“Her selfless leadership, resilience and heart make her a true Queensland legend.”
Ms Chesson, who became a grandmother when her daughter gave birth during the disaster, said she was humbled, even embarrassed, as there were hundreds of other people who helped throughout the Hinchinbrook Shire.
She said she forgo media interviews at the time because “I was too busy to discuss the horror that thousands of families faced.”
“With so much trauma at the disaster centre at my place-of-work the cyclone shelter (Ingham State High Schools auditorium), to assisting everyone there, whilst maintaining constant checking in on the elderly around town whose children could not check on them, themselves,” she said.
“Lots had to be done, and you have to soldier on and do it.”
Ms Chesson said she helped ferry food for the police and the unsung heroes, the delivery truck drivers.
“(They) were the true heroes collecting food, fuel, generators non-stop for 7 days through torrential downpours,” she said.
“I made sure they were fed and had hot drinks to sustain them also.”
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Originally published as Carina Chesson: Ingham State High School teacher a flood-disaster ‘local legend’
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