Myf is our Mental Health & Wellbeing Manager. Here is her story from her time in the Kimberleys from 11-20 August 2023 for the Flood Recovery Support.
From 11th to 20th August, several Rural Aid Counsellors and I had the opportunity to explore the Kimberley region, and it reinforced its reputation as a vast and spectacular part of our country. The people we met were warm, friendly and always happy to chat. Their self-reliance and resilience were striking. The areas we visited showcased a wide range of landscapes and environments, from recovering from devasting floods to others enduring the harsh effects of drought.
(L-R) Myfanwy Pitcher (Rural Aid Mental Health & Wellbeing Manager), Roger Hitchcock (Rural Aid Counsellor WA) and Nicole Galvin (Rural Aid Counsellor QLD)
Derby 12- 14 August 2023
Our journey began in Derby, where we attended community events and visited local businesses.
Derby Rodeo
Nicole and I attended the Derby Rodeo over two days to connect with local farmers and community members. The locals came out in full force, with young ringers showcasing their skills and proving themselves as station hands- almost a rite of passage in some parts of this country.
During our time there, we had several great conversations with Amy McKeown. Amy and her mum, Robyn, were running a coffee and food van at the Rodeo. Amy and her husband run Larrawa station, approximately 140kms northeast of Fitzroy Crossing, and they are deeply committed about producing high-quality beef. It was refreshing to speak with such an enthusiastic young landholder who has a bright vision for the future of Australian farming through diverse thinking.
Nicole with Amy McKeown and her mum Robyn.
Norval Gallery
As we left Derby, we stopped at a local art gallery, where we met Mark Norval, the owner, artist, and operator (alongside his wife Mary). Mark is a Derby local and has worked with the local indigenous peoples for many years, supporting them in expressing their culture and life experiences through art. The gallery itself showcases some of Mark’s work, as well as that of many other Indigenous artists from the Kimberley region.
Mark is also responsible for the stunning iron sculptures that line the pathway across the mudflats to the wharf.
Lakeside Minerals Livestock
After visiting the Derby Rodeo, Nicole, Roger and I attended an event hosted by Lakeside Minerals. Lakeside Minerals is a family-run business supplying minerals to the WA region, collaborating with farmers to achieve optimal soil health naturally, sustainably and cost-effectively. Regan and Melita Grant, the owners, hosted a BBQ and sundowner at their facility in Broome. The event was attended by 20 station employees from nearby Kimberley stations, including Liberinga Station, Fossil Downs Station, and Fitzroy Crossing locals.
In conversation with the ringers and jillaroos from the stations, they spoke of the significant stock losses resulting from the January floods. The true extent of the losses may not be known for up to five years because many livestock drifted downstream to other stations or perished in the floodwaters. Both stations reported they are now accessible by road, but extensive damage has been done to fencing that will require repair work.
FITZROY CROSSING 15-17 August
Fitzroy Crossing Recovery Hub
We headed to Fitzroy Crossing on Tuesday afternoon and met with Grant Pilgrimand and the Department of Communities team, along with other agencies in the Hub. Some of these included FESA, Colleen the Shire of Derby West Kimberley Community Recovery Officer, Amy Shire of Derby West Kimberley Hub Recovery Coordinator. We had the opportunity to meet with Renee Flaxman, who serves as the District Emergency Services Officer.
Amy expressed concerns about a rise in suicide ideation in the community as a collective response to the ongoing challenges they face.The devastation caused by the January floods was still evident everywhere we went.
Broome 18-19 August
Broome Rodeo
Our journey in the Kimberley region finished with a visit to Broome, where we attended the Broome Rodeo before heading back home to Queensland.
As detailed above, the areas we visited presented a stark contrast in terms of landscape and environment. Derby was very dry, a topic frequently discussed with locals. In contrast, Fitzroy Crossing is still heavily impacted by the ravaging floods from January and the impact and loss is still keenly felt. Given the vast differences in environment, climate and landscape, it is clear that farmers and communities across the Kimberley region require ongoing assistance with the numerous challenges they face caused by disaster events and the profound effects on mental health and wellbeing.
