Community
17 December, 2024
What a year to remember
'Gazza's Gossip' "I HAD to question myself as to whether writing a ‘Goss’ that would revisit the trauma of Cyclone Jasper would be appropriate."
As we approach the tragedy’s first anniversary, the recent heavy rain has certainly brought some unpleasant memories back for Douglas Shire locals and the region in general.
After due consideration, I decided to take the journey down memory lane back to December 13 last year, the day when this potentially life changing experience all began. The reason for my decision is because amongst all of the upset, some truly amazing recovery stories have unfolded.
As many reading will remember, the expected winds were the least of our worries, as the rain began and just simply went on and on. Those owning their own personal weather stations, looked in disbelief as the rain gauge rose at levels rarely seen before. In fact, my little home weather station in Port Douglas still registers just under 6m for the year, most of which came in just a few days after Jasper’s intrusion of our usually tropical paradise.
You only have to take a trip up to the Lion’s Den pub to see the record water level indicated by a painted line just below the rooftop and to hear the stories of those rescued from their homes.
A trip north of the river is all you need to get a feel of the sheer water level that swept across the land, ripping up mature trees and destroying roads.
Front St, Mossman, became a river during the worst of the floods, with water invading most businesses and leaving a muddy sludge just to add to the complications. Clearing up was no easy task without power and water as business owners worked together to hopefully trade again in the build up to Christmas.
Back in October, at Mossman Gorge, the Douglas Shire Council acknowledged certain individuals, together with the community groups that played their part in many different ways immediately after the cyclone and during the floods.
One such local hero was Jessica Alexandratos, a registered nurse who lives in Wonga Beach. While her own house was in a high-risk area, she was still committed to helping others. With her qualified nursing skills, Jessica offered her services to members of the community, delivering medication to those who were in need of it, or unable to leave their homes. In some cases, this was via a tinny down what should have been a road.
She helped set up a nurse’s hub at Wonga Beach School and checked in on those who were known to the community with mental health issues and the elderly.
There are some people, without doubt, still doing it tough today as a result of Cyclone Jasper, but due to the help from some true heroes and the tenacity and patience of our local communities, somehow, we have muddled through and come out the other side.
We can now, fortunately, look back and actually be proud of what was achieved during such adversity. As a community we got through together and baring no major weather issues this year, will all now move forward.
In fact, as we enter this year’s festive season, we all look towards a much merrier Christmas and a happier New Year.
I’m off to quickly check the rain radar again, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.
Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
