Heartfelt thanks to flood responders

While the rain may have eased in recent days, many parts of Narrabri Shire are still dealing with the aftermath of significant flooding. Water remains across roads, paddocks, and low-lying areas, and damage to our road network continues to emerge as conditions dry out.

First and foremost, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our local emergency services and frontline workers who have gone above and beyond in recent days. This includes SES volunteers, council crews, nurses, paramedics, police, road workers from both Narrabri Shire and Transport for NSW, as well as our firefighters from both the RFS and Fire + Rescue NSW. I also want to acknowledge the important support we have received from the NSW Reconstruction Authority. Many of these people have been working long shifts, often outside normal hours, to help others.

Their efforts have kept our community safe, and they deserve our deep gratitude.

I have also received a phone call from our Federal Member, Jamie Chaffey, who reached out to check in on our community and to reinforce his willingness to assist wherever needed. In addition, a number of mayors from neighbouring councils have made contact to express their support and concern. That sense of solidarity across our region is genuinely appreciated.

It is somewhat fitting—though ironic—that this week is Local Government Week across Australia. If ever there was a reminder of the importance of the third tier of government, it is now. Council staff have been working side by side with emergency responders—assisting with evacuations, inspecting damaged infrastructure, updating the public, and keeping local services running. I am proud of how our shire has responded.

Although the rain has stopped, the risks have not. Many local roads remain closed, and others may look dry on top but are dangerously soft underneath. Please do not drive on closed roads. The signs are there to protect you and others. Even roads that appear safe may have hidden damage or be at risk of further collapse. Every unnecessary trip on a closed road risks vehicles getting stranded, adds to repair costs, and puts emergency responders in danger.

I also want to make this point as clearly as possible: do not walk or drive through floodwaters. It is not worth the risk. You cannot always see what is beneath the surface—what looks like a shallow crossing could be a deep washout, fast-moving water, or a hidden hazard. Every year, people lose their lives trying to cross floodwaters. Please do not become a statistic. Turn around, find another way, and live to tell the story.

We are also asking residents to avoid using saturated unsealed roads unless absolutely necessary. These roads are particularly vulnerable after flooding and can be badly damaged by just a few heavy vehicles. As we know all too well, repairing flood-damaged roads is expensive and time-consuming, and every bit of restraint helps us recover faster.

To help you stay informed and safe, I strongly encourage all residents to download the Hazards Near Me app. It provides real-time alerts from the SES about emergencies like floods, storms, and bushfires. If you are not sure how to download it, you can visit any of our shire libraries and ask one of the staff to help you set it up. You can also ask for assistance at the front desk of the Narrabri Shire Council administration building.

Another excellent source of information is the Live Traffic NSW website (www.livetraffic.com), which provides up-to-date information on road closures and hazards across our shire and beyond. I also recommend following the Narrabri Shire Council Facebook page and local SES pages for ongoing updates as conditions change.

During emergencies and in the days after, I encourage everyone to check in on their neighbours—especially those who are elderly, unwell, or may have mobility issues. A simple knock on the door or phone call can make a world of difference.

As part of our local emergency response, The Crossing Theatre was activated a couple of days ago as an official evacuation centre. It has provided a safe and secure location for residents in need.

While it remains temporarily closed for regular events, I am pleased to report that a full reopening is not far away. We will have more to say soon, and I know the whole community is looking forward to having this important venue back.

Finally, council has extended the Expression of Interest period for two important initiatives. The first is the Narrabri Shire Youth Council, which is a great opportunity for local young people to contribute their ideas and help shape the future of our community. The second is the Floodplain Risk Management Committee, which plays a vital role in developing our long-term strategies for flood preparedness and resilience. If you or someone you know is interested in being part of either initiative, please visit the council website for more details.

To everyone who has assisted a neighbour, cleaned up after floodwaters, passed along good information, or simply exercised patience over the past week—thank you. Our shire is strong because of the way we show up for one another. Let us keep that spirit alive as the waters recede and the hard work of recovery begins.

Take care and stay safe.