For ECT Sally Smee the new year started with ADF support after Fitzroy floods

Early childhood teacher (ECT) Sally Smee started her new learning year with a difference when she was airlifted from Broome, along with more than 40 other educators, so that they could be available for learners at Fitzroy Crossing.

 

While Fitzroy Valley High School, which caters for children from kindergarten to high school age, was unaffected by the recent floods, reopening after the summer break was in doubt as the majority of staff were on leave outside the flood zone, unable to return.

 

The Australian Defence Force stepped in to support, sending an Air Force C-27J Spartan to Broome two days before the start of the school year to ensure educators were on hand to support returning students. 

For most on board, the military flight was a new experience. For now, flights are the only way into Fitzroy Crossing after flood waters in the Kimberley region washed out the roads into the area.

 

Deputy Principal Nicola Angell was grateful for the support saying “school is the heart of this community. If you’re closed, the community is not functioning at an optimal level”. 

 

“Valley High School is a big family; this is just coming home to a big welcome, which is beautiful.”

 

Valley High School has 300 students, from kindergarten through to year 12.

 

The returning staff were keen to not be a burden on scarce resources in their community following the major flooding.

 

“Using an Air Force plane meant we could each bring two weeks of groceries and not be a draw on local stocks,” Ms Angell said.

 

“The defence staff were lovely, generous and kind. It was just like the movies.”

 

Image credits: Leading Aircraftwoman Kate Czerny. Lead image shows Ms Smee looking out from the plane’s window.