During the March flood event 40 – 50 residences at Riverside Village (256 Hastings River Drive) were absolutely swamped by floodwater. During the crisis some residents were taken to hospital and alternative accommodation was found for many others.

About half of the ‘swamped residents’, many of whom were not insured, returned over the weekend (27-28 March) to face the prolonged task of cleaning up.

Volunteers from St Agnes’ Catholic Parish, its schools and the community helped residents clear their units and pull out flooring; they listened to stories of tragic loss, finding moments of humour with residents where they could; and catering for morning tea and lunch.  The Army, Rural Fire Service and Port Pirates Rugby Club also provided invaluable support with the clean-up efforts.

BBQ at Riverside Village brings community together

On Saturday of the Easter Weekend (3 April) a barbecue was held to support the people at Riverside Village who lost their homes in the flood. Around 100 clients from Riverside Village attended enjoying chorizo, prawns, fish, steak, sausages, beautiful salads washed down with a cold and refreshing beer, wine, soft drink or orange juice. There were chocolates, chocolate slice and lolly bags to enjoy too! Background music featuring an upbeat playlist of hits from the 70s and 80s added to the atmosphere.

The barbecue, an initiative of Geoff Leary Principal of St Peter’s Primary school, was a great way of bringing people together to share community spirit and support each other!

Kristy, the assistant manager of Riverside Village, became quite emotional when she reflected on the significant loss for her community, but also spoke of the great connection and ‘looking out for each other’ that she had seen experienced during this testing time.

Anne O’Brien, Director of Mission Integration for St Agnes’ Catholic Parish, addressed the gathering to let the people of Riverside Village know that the Parish continue providing support to those in the community who have been devastated by recent floods.

She invited them to drop in any time to the Pop-Up Pantry at 110 William Street, which has been set-up with a view to help them with food, groceries and meeting basic needs as they find their feet again. For families or individuals who lost their transportation due to the floods, transport to the Pop-up pantry could be organized if needed.

On the day, a dozen or so members of the St Agnes’ Catholic Parish community supported the continuing clean-up efforts. Each of the six parish schools as well as St Joseph’s Wauchope and Port Primary school were represented.

The barbecue, an initiative of Geoff Leary Principal of St Peter’s Primary school, was a great way of bringing people together to share community spirit and support each other!