Berry Springs locals share their Cyclone Fina experience
Smacked by a cyclone, floodwaters and power outages, there is one silver-lining for Berry Springs: The pub is open.
Despite Cyclone Fina’s best efforts, spirits remain sky-high at Berry Springs.
Not only was the community whacked with high winds, but it was double-whammied when flood waters cut off its roads and tracks, isolating entire families from their neighbours.
Due to rising waters, some staff members Berry Springs Tavern decided to bunk at the pub.
“They weren’t able to get home,” manager Liz Lamb said.
“I’ve got accommodation down back - and others still aren’t able to come to work yet.”
Come Sunday morning, however, those with a Hilux or Quad Bike - most families in the area - were quick to dash to their beloved pub.
“It wasn’t our busiest Sunday, but folks came here because they wanted to get out of the house,” manager Liz Lamb said.
“There were kids running around, and others having a few beers and lunch and we had some live music as well.”
Post-cyclone celebrations were made even better when the tavern discovered their huge family of animals was accounted for.
“Our five-metre saltwater croc, our emus, sheep, ducks were here,” Ms Lamb said.
“When I came in the chickens were hiding in the drive-thru.
“But yeah, the animals were all good, they didn’t seem fazed.”
Some homes in Berry Springs are entering their third day without electricity, with Power and Water crews continuing to address reported faults in the area.
Also affected was the local primary school, which opened its doors on Monday but only to students whose parents are essential service workers.
As such, a number of quad-bike riding kids could be seen enjoying their day off at Tumbling Waters - fishing rod in hand.
For now, Berry Springs locals will have to do with just one establishment back in full swing - the Tavern.
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Originally published as Berry Springs locals share their Cyclone Fina experience
