On 14 November 2022, the central western town of Eugowra experienced a catastrophic flood event, widely described as an inland tsunami. On behalf of the citizens of Eugowra, Mayor of Cabonne Council, Cr. Kevin Beatty was recently presented with the inaugural Royal Humane Society of NSW ‘Community Resilience Award’ by the Society’s Patron, Governor of NSW, Her Excellency the Hon. Margaret Beazley AC KC in Government House. The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Chairman Mayor Rick Firman OAM applauded the Mayor, his Council and the community of Eugowra.
“This is such a well-deserved honour. Through a decade of record-breaking drought, fires, floods and the Covid-19 pandemic, rural, remote and regional communities in NSW have demonstrated their resilience but few more so than the courageous and determined Eugowra locals. The CMA Board, staff and Members take our collective hats off to Mayor Beattie and his community for this rare and significant honour,” he said.
The flood officially peaked at 11.2 metres (a 1 in 5000-year event) but it was the force of two massive waves, which reportedly devastated Eugowra, washing buildings and vehicles away. Tragically, there were two fatalities and 80-90% of the town’s buildings were destroyed or extensively damaged.
Mayor Beatty said that when disaster struck, Eugowra stood united. “Neighbours rescued neighbours, cared for the sick and injured, supported the homeless, and faced unimaginable loss; loved ones, homes, businesses, animals, and vital infrastructure,” he recalled. “Despite these overwhelming challenges, the community rallied together to rebuild their town and their lives. This award ensures that Eugowra’s determination and unity will never be forgotten. It is a lasting legacy of what can be achieved when a community faces adversity as one.”
“The Community Resilience Award, is a distinction which was created to honour exceptional courage, humanity, endurance, and sacrifice during and after the devastating 2022 flood. It was not just how Eugowra citizens faced the flood disaster and its’ aftermath that has been recognised but also the reconstruction of the town, propelled by community spirit and pride,” Mayor Beatty said.
“I was deeply privileged to accept this award on behalf of Eugowra’s residents, a moment that brought back memories of that day filled with uncertainty and fear,” he said. “Together, we endured, and today we are finally beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel. There is still much to be done, but this recognition is truly well deserved by the people of Eugowra.”
Mayor Beatty described how a song sung by local schoolchildren and alumni of St Joseph’s Catholic School, Eugowra encapsulated the spirit of the town and everyone who stood up in the face of disaster, the rescuers, volunteers, and the community itself. “We are mighty, we are brave… together we will help each other stay,” they sang.
“I also want to acknowledge the Royal Humane Society awards presented to the helicopter crews and critical care paramedics who risked their lives to save others. These teams from Bankstown, Orange, and Wollongong undertook hazardous aerial rescues for many hours, airlifting stranded residents from rooftops and attics and transporting the injured and sick to safety. For their extraordinary bravery, helicopter crews were awarded the Bronze Medal for Bravery, and critical care paramedics received the Silver Medal. Thank you for your courage, your service, and the lifesaving actions you carried out on that day,” Mayor Beatty said.
Mayor Firman concluded by particularly praising Mayor Beatty’s leadership. “Mayor Beattie is a humble, hardworking and fair dinkum leader. He has a big heart and is respected by all. Our CMA Family are very proud of him, as a leader and as a man.”