‘Local celebrity’ bitten by croc in flood evacuation meets Fyles

The 17-year-old bitten by a croc while evacuating from his flooded community earlier this month has had a surprise meeting with the Chief Minister.

The teenager who was bitten by a crocodile in floodwaters while being evacuated from his remote community earlier this month has been snapped in an unexpected meeting with the Chief Minister.

WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGE

Natasha Fyles visited Nightcliff Middle School in Rapid Creek last week, where several young flood evacuees have been taking classes after being forced to flee their homes in the Gregory district.

“I stopped by to see how they were all settling in, and didn’t realise there was a local celebrity in the room,” Ms Fyles posted to Twitter on Friday.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles was surprised to find “local celebrity” croc-bite survivor Dennis at her visit to Nightcliff Middle School last week. Picture: Supplied/@NatashaFylesMLA

Dennis shows off his bite. Picture: Supplied/@NatashaFylesMLA

“Dennis had his ankle nipped by a crocodile in the floods and lived to tell the tale. The smile on his face (and the look of relief on his teachers face) says it all.”

“Glad you’re ok, Dennis,” she said.

The 17-year-old Daguragu boy was bitten on March 1 while evacuating to Kalkarindji, where he was treated at the local health clinic.

Dennis was treated for the bite at a Kalkarindji clinic. Picture: Supplied.

Hundreds of residents remain displaced after the Victoria River reached major flood levels a fortnight ago, inundating the communities of Kalkarindji, Daguragu and Pigeon Hole.

Ms Fyles thanked teachers and education staff across the Top End for welcoming the new students.

“It’s made such a difference and we couldn’t be more grateful,” she said.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles thanked schools that had welcomed young flood evacuees across the Top End, including Nightcliff Middle School. Picture: Supplied/@NatashaFylesMLA