Kalbarri SES deploy to Kimberley to assist with flood recovery and damage assessment in Fitzroy Crossing

Emergency crews from Kalbarri will work from the Kimberley over the next week, assisting flood-affected communities in Fitzroy Crossing and assessing damage to properties. Kalbarri State Emergency Service crews landed in Fitzroy Crossing via helicopter from Broome about 10am on Monday, after being sent for a seven-day operation to assess damage to homes encased in mud. Department of Fire and Emergency Services Mid West-Gascoyne Supt Craig Smith confirmed four flood boat operators from Kalbarri SES and three DFES staff were sent to the Kimberley. After the Fitzroy River hit record heights of 15.8 metres on Wednesday last week, DFES natural hazards district officer Tim Dalwood said Kalbarri SES was eager to make themselves available to work in the local Fitzroy Crossing community. “After cyclone Seroja they were very eager to repay the debts,” he said. “Whilst the water has receded from homes, the impacts of the water is still there. There’s still mud, remnants of water and with the heat it dries up. There’s so much work to be done to get the community back to where it was.” Mr Dalwood confirmed crews would work alongside Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) and local Indigenous rangers to undertake rapid damage assessments of all dwellings in the affected area. Crews will also be tasked with assisting logistical requirements and manpower. “Kalbarri SES will be tasked with relieving the local volunteers — they have been on the go well before the initial impact of the floods. They will assist freight transport and helicopter flights, ensuring the freight is delivered to the correct place,” he said. “Not only that but communicate with the land owners and ensure their mental health is okay, just to know someone is on the ground ready to help. They recognise the orange uniforms as they’re there to help.” Due to limited accommodation, all working crews must stay in Broome and travel to Fitzroy Crossing on a daily basis, flying in at 6.30am and working until the last flight leaves at 3.30pm. As there is limited supply of produce, all meals and supplies are brought in with them. Roads remain closed into Fitzroy Crossing, leaving entry and exit points accessible by aircraft. Mr Dalwood said it was an intense process but all crews were working together to complete the tasks ahead. “The mantra is to be kind — be kind to yourself, family, neighbours and friends — they’re all in it together,” he said.