Impacts of flooding on social and emotional wellbeing in Fitzroy Crossing

A new report has been published sharing the outcomes of a needs assessment conducted in response to the unprecedented flooding that impacted remote town, Fitzroy Crossing and surrounding communities in January 2023.

Local Aboriginal community-controlled organisation Marninwarntikura Women's Resource Centre (MWRC) invited it's long-standing partner, Royal Far West along with UNICEF Australia to undertake a post-flood needs assessment with flood-affected communities.

The Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention (CBPATSISP) led by Professor Pat Dudgeon AM, contributed to the report by ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices were prioritised during the needs assessment.

Some of the findings included:

• The community recognised the experience of the flood has compounded pre-existing trauma.
• Children experienced fear and emotional distress post-flooding, such as when it rained after the flood.
• Due to the collapse of the Fitzroy River Bridge and other flood damage, many children were displaced from their homes. Disruptions to day-to-day life led to behaviours indicating emotional challenges and developmental delay or regression in children.
• The collapse of the Fitzroy River Bridge separated many families, including the separation of children from their parents or primary caregivers. Many families were forced to relocate. With a history of children being forcibly removed due to government policy, separation from family exacerbates pre-existing trauma for many Aboriginal people.
• Children and families experienced cumulative grief from losing community members, homes, belongings and pets. This impacted the capacity of parents and carers to connect with their children.

The report found that the flood caused significant challenges for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their connection to country, land and culture.

Disruption to partake in some cultural practices, including hunting, fishing or sourcing seasonal bush foods due to flooding was observed for both adults and children. This is particularly important when connection to country and culture is a part of social and emotional wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The report suggests ways to prevent harm in any future flooding events in the region. Recommendations include:

• Investment is needed in early warning systems that are appropriate for very remote communities.
• Continue to find ways in which people can connect with mind and emotions during challenges.
• Identify opportunities to continue cultural practices such as hunting and fishing to support communities with limited access to food, utilising knowledge of country.

The report outlines many other compounding factors that impacted social and emotional wellbeing during and after the floods.

Read the full report.