Jan Flis’ family reflect on his death one year on from horror McMillans Rd, Marrara, crash

Some 15 months have passed, but that does not make grieving their dad any easier. The family of Jan Flis reflect on losing the larger than life character in a horror Darwin crash.

The intersection of Charles Eaton Dr and McMillans Rd is an intimidating one.

Thousands of cars navigate the junction each day, whether it be travellers going outbound to the airport or locals heading inbound for work and leisure.

It was on one of these days in 2021, Father’s Day, when 71-year-old Jan Flis would become involved in a shocking collision.

Jan was riding his motorbike when he was struck by a car at the intersection. He died days later.

Jan Flis passed away after a crash along McMillans Rd in Darwin. Picture: Flis family

Peering through the consuming cloud of grief, his daughter Renee paid tribute to her beloved father and said the flow-on effects from Jan’s death continued to be felt.

“I’m really thankful that I got to get here in time to hold his hand as he passed but trying to process that loss and trying to rationalise it, it’s really difficult,” she said.

“That moment in time leaves this domino effect of ramifications. It filtered down and out through so many things. He was not just my dad.

“I still get calls from his work colleagues and his golf buddies talking about how they miss his boisterousness, his cheekiness and his early morning phone calls and his demanding ways.”

Ms Flis is committed to increasing road safety at the Charles Eaton Dr and McMillans Rd intersection.

“I passionately believe that it should not be a right hand turn out of Charles Eaton Dr,” she said.

“I think people come out of there to go right and they’re so focused on that three lanes of traffic bearing down from the left that I think that the check into the right maybe doesn’t get done properly sometimes.”

Renee Flis at the intersection where her father was hit while riding his motorbike. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics 2020-21 annual report showed the final budget for road safety and compliance was $9.9m, with $8.6m spent.

A statement from DIPL said there were currently no plans to change the Charles Eaton Dr and McMillans Rd intersection.

“The department regularly reviews serious and fatal crashes in conjunction with NT Police to ascertain whether road conditions or design are a contributing factor and act on any recommendations accordingly,” it said.

“As part of the discussions the department is having with various stakeholders, all intersections in the area are being investigated in order to improve safety.

“There are no immediate plans to provide upgrades at this intersection.”

At the time of his death, Mr Flis was remembered by family as a loud, adventurous man with a passion for gardening, travel, golf and socialising.

“He was larger than life and he had this exuberance for life,” family said.

“He had a positivity that was infectious … he was like a tidal wave that pulled you along with him.

“It’s almost like he was three people bundled into one. He was a scuba diver. He was a golfer. He had an uncanny luck at the pokies.

“A brother and a grandfather, husband and partner. He was just so many things and he wore so many different hats.”

Despite DIPL’s response, Ms Flis said she was determined to see change at the intersection and increase awareness for motorbikes on the roads.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of people throughout the community and friends who have had near misses at that very same intersection,” she said.

“It’s convenient having the turn there but there are alternatives.

“If this makes somebody take an extra three seconds at an intersection or a set of lights or a turn and double check for specifically motorbikes, scooters, cyclists, then it’s been worth it.”

In a series of festive season messaging, NT Police, Fire and Emergency Service workers have pleaded with Territorians to be safe on the roads.

Commander Craig Laidler shared what he feared most about fatal crashes.

“I think anyone involved in a serious traffic crash or those first responders and emergency service workers, I think everyone is haunted by the results and knowing that only briefly before, that person or persons had a normal life, somewhere to be, somewhere to go, and it’s taken away from them in an instant,” he said.

“I worry about the people involved, I worry about the people who have had to witness whatever has occurred, I worry about the emergency services that have to attend the event and I worry we’re not going to be able to do enough to save who’s involved.

“The amount of messaging we have, we still seem to have some people who don’t listen.”