Community Luncheon Honouring Service to Flood Response and Recovery

Mayor of Bundaberg, Councillor Helen Blackburn; Deputy Mayor, Councillor Steve Cooper; Deputy Mayor, North Burnett Regional Council, Councillor Melinda Jones; Councillors and Executives of Bundaberg Regional Council; Queensland Police Service, Chief Inspector Grantley Marcus; distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands on which we are gathered, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

Graeme and I are delighted to be back in beautiful Bundaberg, and we are especially pleased to be in the company of a group of people who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to serve this region in its time of need.

The recent flooding event in March—off the back of prolonged and intense rainfall in the Burnett River’s catchment—brought with it devastation and heartbreak for so many.

Queenslanders could only watch in dismay, as the media coverage showed images of homes, businesses and community facilities swamped by rising floodwaters; and hear stories of evacuations, risky swift water rescues, the isolation of 10,000 people in Bundaberg’s north; and crop and infrastructure losses to farmers already struggling with significant challenges.

And, of course, when the waters receded, the sticky mud left behind revealed the scale of the mess and the destruction.

Yet, behind the scenes—even before the river burst its banks—an experienced and capable team of people had mobilised, ready, not just to provide practical help, but to offer their understanding and support to people in trouble.

Members of the Local and District Disaster Management Groups, the Mayor and Councillors of the Bundaberg Shire Council, frontline emergency personnel, government agencies; those coordinating the evacuation centres or restoring power and communications; community organisations, residents and volunteers—including the iconic “mud army”—all banded together to face the difficulties ahead.

And, today, I am proud to acknowledge the incredible effort each one of you has made to ensuring the safety of this community during the crisis, and for your part in rebuilding this region in its aftermath.

Your roles are diverse, your expertise varies…but every single one of you has been crucial to dealing with an event of such a scale.

This driving resolve to serve, requires significant effort, bravery, and a willingness to put the needs of others first.

At the height of the response, many of you gave up time with your families to ensure the best possible outcomes for Bundaberg. I’m told one Local Disaster Coordinator— Mr Dwayne Honor—did not see his children for days, while another— Mr Gary Everson—slept on-site on a makeshift mattress of soundproofing foam so that he could be on hand to support his team.

This region’s locals are known for their deep sense of connection to this place, their pride in the closeness of its people, and a sense that they will bounce back, as they have done so before. 

I saw this same sense of fellowship when last June I visited Childers to pay tribute to those affected even to this day by the Palace Backpackers Hostel fire 25 years ago, a tragedy that demonstrated to the world how a small community could show exceptional generosity and kindness, and a deep sense of togetherness in its darkest hour. 

And I know that here in Bundy, you welcome strangers as you do friends, valuing the role of backpackers in your thriving horticultural industry, which, of course, is such an important asset to our entire State.

Because of the tremendous spirit of cooperation and comradery shown by everyone here today, Bundaberg was quickly back in business, but of course, for many, the journey to complete recovery continues.

I therefore thank Mayor Blackburn for leading the Council and this community through such an unpredictable disaster, the people of Bundaberg for proving their courage and compassion, and all of you for your vital contributions to ensuring this special place flourishes.

As Governor, and on behalf of a grateful state, I thank you.