Mighty effort during floods

THE hundreds of residents who were forced from their houses by the flooded Daly River will soon say goodbye to their temporary home at Foskey Pavilion and head back to their community

THE hundreds of residents who were forced from their houses by the flooded Daly River will soon say goodbye to their temporary home at Foskey Pavilion and head back to their community.

Spending two weeks away from the comforts of home and sharing facilities with dozens of other families is probably not most people’s idea of a relaxing getaway. And while the Daly River residents have held up well, all will be glad to get back to their lives, properties and pets.

That every resident forced to evacuate is now looking forward to their return, safe and well, is testament to the efforts of the various agencies that helped ensure what was a difficult time for all ran as smoothly as possible.

Chief among those who should be singled out for praise are the emergency services who co-ordinated the rescue and recovery effort and the Department of Primary Industry and Resources’ Animal Welfare Group which has been caring for and feeding the pets left behind in the community several times a week.

Meanwhile, the Welfare Group, led by Territory Families, has been responsible for the evacuation centre, accommodation, food, activities, personal needs and welfare of the residents, supported by a range of other government and non-government organisations.

But as good as our emergency services are in a crisis, it doesn’t help when we make things harder for them.

The fact that 12 people, three dogs and cockatoo all had to be rescued after failed river crossings last week is a reminder that we all have a role to play in ensuring resources aren’t diverted from where they’re needed most.

In the words of police: “Turn around, don’t drown — your ill-considered decision can lead to your death and that of loved ones.”