Making peace with the river

By Mayor Chris Cherry

ONE YEAR ago we didn’t know what we were about to go through, but then as now, we did it together.

The shock, the losses, the destruction, and the helping one another through.

Looking at this peaceful river today (February 28) it’s hard to imagine what was building up 12 months ago. This river gives the Tweed life and the beautiful green scenery you see all around.

It sustains our forests and farms, our villages and towns, from Wollumbin to the sea.

But we know that as much as the river gives, it can also take.

It has never taken as much as it has in the past year, and we are still recovering.

Today is an incredibly personal moment– it is about acknowledging all that we went through, but also all that we are still going through.

All along the river people are marking this day in different ways - wherever you are in your recovery is ok.

For many, the experience of 28 February and what followed is still raw.

It’s too early to start thinking about healing, while they are still dealing with damage to their houses, struggling to find suitable long-term alternative accommodation, trying to access insurance payments and dealing with feelings of loss.

To those who aren’t here today for those reasons, I have you in my thoughts and my heart. I hope that one day, you will make your own peace with this river and your expe - riences 12 months ago. I understand that healing is an intensely personal thing, and we all have our own journey to take.

Here today I’m struck by how the many people who were flood affected across the Tweed are still showing up for their community.

Our caterers today, Jonno and Mel, were flood-affected both in their Murwillumbah business and their home.

The Murwillumbah florist, Georgie from Flowerista, who provided these lovely flowers, had business premises inundated at M-Arts.

Bryce S. North

17/4/1970 - 27/2/2022

Our family wish to thank Bryce’s friends and the wider community for the unwavering support and compassion shown to us.

A heartfelt appreciation to all involved in bringing Bryce home. There are no words to describe how grateful we are.

Special thank you to the Murwillumbah Brothers Football Club. A club he was proud to play for.

Bryce’s lives forever in the memories we keep. Dale Clayton Renee Ross and Whanau.

Our hosts, the Murwillumbah Community Centre, is based here in Council’s Coolamon Centre until their premises in Knox Park are built back in a more flood-resilient way.

I’d like you to join me in taking a quiet minute to gather our thoughts about what has happened and hold in our hearts those in our community –including many gathered here - who are still hurting.

Let’s cast off some of the pain and fear of the last 12 months, and let it flow away with the river. Thank you everyone.

Funeral Directors