Skip to main content

The Village Pump 28/03/25

Page 1

28 MARCH 2025

THURSDAY 03/04/2025

COMMUNITY RALLIES IN A CYCLONE The sun may be shining again but the aftereffects of Cyclone Alfred are still being felt after the short but intense weather event tore through the area, generating strong winds, heavy rain, and widespread damage. Many were left in the dark for several days as severe outages hit electricity and phone services. Our local first responders were out in highvis force, working to clear roads, remove hazards, and assist wherever needed. Rural Fire Brigades joined forces, with officers from Closeburn, Samford, Samsonvale, and Dayboro RFBs working shoulder by shoulder to keep the community safe. “Our priority is always the community’s safety. We are here to serve, no matter the challenge. When disaster strikes, the people of Closeburn can count on us to be there.” Closeburn RFB Second Officer Myles Boon said. Some volunteers went above and beyond, putting the community first despite their personal challenges of damage and power loss. Firefighters Carey Hayden, Louise McNicol, and Nic Pinna showed outstanding dedication, working tirelessly in difficult conditions to help others when they needed it most.

Residents worked hard to prepare their houses for the cyclone, but even the best planning was no match for the gale-force winds and rain. The middle of Saturday night brought a sudden awakening to Clear Mountain residents Sarah and Kieran Yeates alongside their daughters Daisy and Matilda when a 25m tree landed on their roof and deck. (pictured) “It was the loudest crash we’d ever heard with the tree falling against out tin roof; the entire house shook,” Sarah said. Despite the massive shock, the Yeates’ were lucky to not sustain any major structural damage.

“Now the tree is removed, we can see there is minimal damage considering what happened. I feel very, very fortunate compared to so many others who sustained major damage from the cyclone,” Sarah said. Residents in Camp Mountain found themselves without power for over eight days including Jillian Dewar and Dan Labudda together with their children Jackson, Charlotte and Harrison. A gum tree falling on their powerline and cutting electricity was compounded by significant erosion damage to their driveway creek crossing, leaving the young family unable to leave the property for five days. (pictured Pg 3) Despite also having non-existent phone coverage for a week and no generator to keep things running, spirits remained high during this adversity. “The kids loved it, they spent their time becoming very selfsufficient, catching fish from the dam and conserving rainwater,” Jillian said. “We had every bucket, pan and esky out in the rain at one point. Being on tank water, we rely on electricity to power the water pump which was one of the main challenges for us.” Continued Page 3

We understand that country living isn't just a lifestyle, it's a way of life. We're here to help you embrace every moment, every memory, everything that makes you a little bit country.

www.brookiesruraltraders.com.au ORDER ONLINE 24/7

FREE DELIVERY ORDERS OVER $150* (4520 ONLY)

FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS

230 Mount Glorious Road, Samford 4520 | samford@brookiesrural.com.au | 07 3289 1699


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
The Village Pump 28/03/25 by The Village Pump/Samford Progress - Issuu