Kimberley community shares flood havoc stories to Australian Defence Force

Australian Defence Force (ADF) servicemen took part in a crucial leadership meeting with traditional owners from the Western Australian flood-affected Fitzroy Crossing region.

The gathering gave local leaders the chance to share their personal experiences from one of the regions most severely affected by the flooding that preceded Tropical Cyclone Ellie and to raise issues with ongoing access to essential supplies.

The conference, according to Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Wright, emphasized the fortitude of the nearby towns and gave the ADF the chance to describe its function in the flood response procedure.

Lieutenant Colonel Wright said, “Our message is that we’re here to help and that we’re giving the Department of Fire and Emergency Services as the lead agency the support that they need.”

The leaders of the community were also reassured that the region will continue to receive supplies and necessary services from our aircraft assets at a high rate of effort. The Fitzroy Crossing airfield, which was previously blocked off due to flooding, has again reopened as ADF planes are now bringing supplies and troops into the area.

Due to the increasing number of fixed and rotary wing aircraft operating in the area, ADF is also deploying an 11-person air traffic control element to assist the workers at the local airport.

Engaging with community leaders should be “business as usual,” according to ADF Indigenous Liaison Officer Flight Lieutenant Tramaine Dukes, for all missions including humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

She noted that spending time joking about with the area’s traditional owners demonstrates respect and fosters the desperately needed trust within Aboriginal communities.

More than 100 personnel have already attended briefings that Flight Lieutenant Dukes has been providing for ADF officials in collaboration with community leaders before they enter the communities.

Due to the extensive community involvement that NORFORCE’s Kimberley Squadron had previously conducted, Lieutenant Colonel Wright stated that there was a favorable attitude toward the ADF in the area.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Wright, “Defence has some established ties in the area, and NORFORCE is a part of that tale.”

We can build on existing trust because many members of the community either know someone who has served in the military or who is presently doing so.

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