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Bowen PCYC offers sanctuary to flood-stranded tourists stuck in Whitsundays

Travellers trapped by floods have expressed their gratitude to a seaside town that welcomed them with open arms, with a sergeant saying ‘it’s an unwritten rule that we all stand together’.

Flood-stranded travellers have thanked a small seaside town who welcomed them with open arms.
Flood-stranded travellers have thanked a small seaside town who welcomed them with open arms.

School teacher Paul Burckhardt, his husband Aaron and their Irish Wolfhound Willow were relocating to Townsville when the flooding hit.

They were among about 60 other people, with about 18 pets in tow, who ended up “refugees” at the Bowen PCYC on January 15, 2023.

“The moment we got here we were welcomed (and) supplied with coffees, Milos,” Mr Burckhardt said.

“This place has been amazing.

Paul Burckhardt, his husband Aaron and their dog Willow were relocating to Townsville when flooding trapped them in Bowen, but the community was soon ready to help. Photo: contributed
Paul Burckhardt, his husband Aaron and their dog Willow were relocating to Townsville when flooding trapped them in Bowen, but the community was soon ready to help. Photo: contributed

“There’s a lot of people returning home, passing through or heading south to Airlie Beach.

“Someone put up a Facebook post and everyone just came here in hordes with vans and trucks dropping stuff off for us, someone donated pizza.

“I’ve fallen in love with the community spirit this place has.

Pastor Jas Van Veen helping flood-stranded travellers at Bowen PCYC, January 2023. Photo: Contributed
Pastor Jas Van Veen helping flood-stranded travellers at Bowen PCYC, January 2023. Photo: Contributed

“I would definitely come back.”

Originally from the Gold Coast, Mr Burckhardt said he “had no idea” about North Queensland’s tropical rains.

“Monsoon season, get used to it they say,” he said with a laugh.

Bowen PCYC community development officer Lynn Butler with Bowen Neighbourhood Centre support staff Tahkeya Cora and Lauren Moxham with donated toiletries at Bowen PCYC, January 2023. Photo: Contributed
Bowen PCYC community development officer Lynn Butler with Bowen Neighbourhood Centre support staff Tahkeya Cora and Lauren Moxham with donated toiletries at Bowen PCYC, January 2023. Photo: Contributed

It was not Mr Burckhardt’s first experience with a natural disaster through, as he was teaching in Japan when the Great Tohoku Earthquake struck in 2011.

“One of my student’ family owned a restaurant (and I) was behind the canteen,” he said.

“Feeding people (whose) homes had been destroyed.

“It’s that karma, paying it forward ... it’s now returned to me.”

Bowen PCYC volunteers Robyn Burrell and Chelle Davison with Selectability support staff Fallon Warcon keeping everyone fed with home cooked meals. Photo: Contributed
Bowen PCYC volunteers Robyn Burrell and Chelle Davison with Selectability support staff Fallon Warcon keeping everyone fed with home cooked meals. Photo: Contributed

Sergeant Michelle O’Regan has been manager of Bowen’s PCYC for 11 years and says, in her hometown, “it’s an unwritten rule that we all stand together”.

She said there were about 100 people left stranded by the next night on Monday, January 16.

Bowen PCYC Branch manager Sergeant Michelle O’Regan is looking forward to the opening of the new PCYC building.
Bowen PCYC Branch manager Sergeant Michelle O’Regan is looking forward to the opening of the new PCYC building.

Whitsunday Regional Council designated the PCYC as a respite centre at 6pm Sunday and Sergeant O’Regan said she was soon “inundated” with support.

“Local ladies have turned up with baskets and baskets of food,” Sergeant O’Regan said.

PCYC Youth Club managers Belinda Williams accepting a donation from Jo Stocker of Stockers Electrical for flood-stranded travellers at Bowen PCYC, January 2023. Photo: Contributed
PCYC Youth Club managers Belinda Williams accepting a donation from Jo Stocker of Stockers Electrical for flood-stranded travellers at Bowen PCYC, January 2023. Photo: Contributed

“The local Pizza Hut came in with a whole bunch of pizzas and garlic bread, including gluten free and vegetarian without even being asked.

“We’ve got people ringing up offering accommodation, offering to wash things.

Whitsunday Civil owners Darren and Monica Piggot donating fruit and kids toys for flood-stranded travellers at Bowen PCYC, January 2023. Photo: Contributed
Whitsunday Civil owners Darren and Monica Piggot donating fruit and kids toys for flood-stranded travellers at Bowen PCYC, January 2023. Photo: Contributed

“A young autistic boy donated his Ghostbusters doona as well.

“We have one of the most wonderful giving communities.”

Having managed Bowen PCYC since the current “fantastic” facility was built, she said there were lots of showers, toilets, and kitchen/canteen space.

Gymnastics equipment set up as bedding for flood-stranded travellers at Bowen PCYC, January 2023. Photo: Contributed
Gymnastics equipment set up as bedding for flood-stranded travellers at Bowen PCYC, January 2023. Photo: Contributed

For one tourist who was 35 weeks pregnant, stranded with her family and two dogs, a mattress was gifted so she could sleep more comfortably.

Sergeant O’Regan said she was thankful for all the support, but apologised for all the messages and calls she hasn’t had time to respond to.

She urged travellers and locals alike to “stay in a safe place unless absolutely necessary” and keep updated with regional Disaster Dashboards.

Originally published as Bowen PCYC offers sanctuary to flood-stranded tourists stuck in Whitsundays

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/bowen-pcyc-offers-sanctuary-to-floodstranded-tourists-stuck-in-whitsundays/news-story/e97bcaed2bb2547672a8764a139ce5f2