5th Aviation Regiment from Townsville in action after Western Australia floods

Townsville-based Army helicopters and personnel are continuing to provide invaluable assistance to flood-struck communities in Western Australia. See the photos.

Jack Andrews, Station Manager at Yeeda Station, shelters from the dust as an Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan delivers animal feed to Yeeda Station that has been cut off during recent flooding as part of Operation Flood Assist 23-1. Picture: LACW Kate Czerny

Townsville-based Army helicopters and personnel are continuing to provide invaluable assistance to flood-struck communities in Western Australia.

The 5th Aviation Regiment on Monday was helping return residents to their homes in Noonkanbah, two weeks after they were evacuated from rising flood waters from ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie.

The residents sought shelter in Broome during the height of the flooding but had been unable to return to their homes 459 kilometres due to damaged roads.

The only way in from Broome is by air, which is currently being supported by Australian Army CH-47F Chinooks and MRH90 Taipans from the 5th Aviation Regiment at the request of the National Emergency Management Agency.

In the rear of the CH-47 Chinook, Aircrewman Technician Corporal Edward Deren and his 5th Aviation Regiment colleagues helped defuse some initial apprehension for those boarding a military helicopter for the first time.

Johnathan Cox (left) is a Noonkanbah Community leader and one of 22 members of the Yungngora people that were repatriated by an Australian Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter after they were evacuated due to flooding in the area. Picture: LACW Kate Czerny

Corporal Deren said the team were “delighted to be playing such a significant part in returning people to their homes”.

“The Chinook is an amazing aircraft. It can operate in very challenging environments and with the road cut off it’s a great option to take these people home,” he said.

“It’s rewarding to be part of something that helps local communities when they need it most.

“The smiles as they saw their homes from the aircraft windows was fantastic.”

An Australian Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter was tasked with repatriating 22 members of the Yungngora people to their homes in Noonkanbah on the Fitzroy River after they were evacuated due to flooding in the area. Picture: LACW Kate Czerny

Despite being exhausted, 22 locals were happy to be returning home to Noonkanbah, which has only 300 residents.

Community leader Johnathan Cox said it had been a difficult time “for our people being so far away from home.”

“This flight means we can once again get on with our lives and get the community up and running.”

MRH-90 helicopters from the 5th Aviation Regiment have provided vital support to graziers in the Kimberly region, delivering 8.5 tonnes of fodder in one day at Yeeda Station.

Originally published as 5th Aviation Regiment from Townsville in action after Western Australia floods