I am a CNC Remote Relief for North West Hospital and Health these days.
I have specialised as a Casual Relief RN for Cairns and Torres Hospital and Health Service for six years but decided to head out to the North West of Queensland.
[During the flooding], Burketown was hit the worst. However, waters headed south and passed through towns like Camooweal.
A new highway bridge was built but even at approximately 10 metres high was no match for the volume of water heading to Camooweal.
Camooweal was cut off from both Northern Territory and Mount Isa due to floods and road damage.
This affected food and water supplies coming into the small town.
Some people’s houses were underwater and livestock were trapped on patches of islands.
We were isolated due to flood waters and damaged roads. There were risks during and after the flood. Especially mosquito-borne viruses and diseases like melioidosis.
The above photo is of Dajarra, two hours’ drive south of Mount Isa.
I built a huge chalkboard to help locals see our next specialist and RFDS appointments.
Visual communication engagement with the remote communities – keeping it simple and informative.
Not seen in the photo is a pot of beautiful marigolds. A welcoming sight for those entering the clinic.
The last photo I took before the floods. This is the road heading towards the Camooweal Caves.
I hope you enjoy the tour.
