Introduction by Croakey: In January 2023, the people of Fitzroy Crossing and the surrounding region in Western Australia were hit by a devastating flood.
It affected 38,632 people across four local government areas and caused extensive damage to infrastructure, the environment and communities, with more than 1,500 people displaced from their homes.
The Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre (MWRC), a local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO), and its partner Royal Far West, subsequently invited UNICEF Australia to undertake a post-flood Needs Assessment. This was released recently, identifying priorities for recovery and healing as expressed by the community, educators, service providers and Elders.
“Understanding and responding to the complex relationships between colonialism, pre-existing disadvantage and disaster preparedness, response and recovery is critical,” says the report. “It requires deep and ongoing listening, research, and decision makers who are willing to adopt and invest in innovative, long-term solutions that are defined and driven by the community.”
Emily Carter AM, a proud Gooniyandi and Kija woman from the Central/West Kimberley, is one of the report’s authors, and writes below that its findings underscore the urgency of addressing climate change in a way that centres the strengths, experiences and needs of Aboriginal people.
Emily Carter writes:
As the CEO of the Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre (MWRC), I am honoured to share our story of resilience, strength, and hope in the face of adversity.
The journey our community has embarked upon, particularly after the devastating floods in Fitzroy Crossing, is a testament to the enduring spirit of Aboriginal people. Our story is not one of despair, but of resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to our children and future generations.
In January 2023, Fitzroy Crossing faced the worst flood in Western Australia’s history. The ferocious floodwaters from Martuwarra, the Fitzroy River, wreaked havoc on our homes, communities, and the infrastructure that supports us.
This disaster, which some have termed a ‘once in a century’ event, is, unfortunately, becoming more frequent as climate change continues to intensify.
Our communities are no strangers to the rising waters of the Fitzroy River. We have seen the river swell, sometimes breaking its banks, but what we experienced in January was unprecedented. As I said at the time, “We constantly see floods, bushfires, and other natural disasters on the news, but this time it was us”.
This flood was not just another natural disaster; it was a stark reminder of our vulnerability to the growing threats posed by climate change.
Recovery matters
Despite the devastation, our community has demonstrated incredible resilience. We are a people deeply connected to our land, our culture, and each other. These connections are our strength, and they have been crucial in our recovery efforts.
However, the floods also exposed the chronic underinvestment in our communities and the lack of infrastructure needed to adequately respond to such emergencies.
The Fitzroy River Bridge, a critical piece of infrastructure, was destroyed by the floods, severing the only access and transport route to surrounding communities. This physical division of our community symbolised the broader challenges we face – isolation, lack of access to essential services, and the compounded effects of historical neglect and systemic disadvantage.
Yet, in the face of these challenges, our community came together. We supported one another, sharing what little resources we had.
Our Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), including MWRC, played a vital role in the immediate response, providing support to those most in need, even as we were impacted ourselves.
As noted in the report, “ACCOs played important roles in recovery but were not recognised as equal partners or adequately resourced.”
This must change. Ensuring adequate resourcing to ACCOs to quickly enact place-based response is the definition of self-determination.
Our children, the most vulnerable among us, have borne the brunt of these compounded crises. The trauma of the floods has added to the existing challenges they face.
As the report highlights, “The Fitzroy Valley has a high percentage of children and young people who have a background of trauma.”
The impact on our children cannot be overstated – from the loss of homes and belongings to the disruption of their education and social connections. We must prioritise their healing and recovery, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met.
Senator Minister Malarndirri McCarthy, who joined us during the launch event for this report, emphasised the importance of listening to our communities and taking action that reflects our needs and priorities.
Her words resonate deeply as we continue to advocate for a response that is not only immediate but sustainable and respectful of our cultural context.
Strength to move forward
One of the key messages from our community is the need to “Build Back Better.” This is not just a slogan; it is a call to action.
The floods have shone a light on the gaps in our infrastructure, the inadequacies in our emergency response systems, and the need for greater investment in our communities. We have the knowledge, the leadership, and the resilience to rebuild our communities in a way that makes us stronger and more prepared for future challenges.
Climate change is an existential threat to Aboriginal people. Our communities are on the frontlines, experiencing the impacts of extreme weather events more frequently and with greater severity.
As Professor Elizabeth Elliott AM noted, “Climate change is changing children’s lives… Our most vulnerable populations – those living in remote settings or poverty, victims of historic trauma and children – are disproportionately affected.”
This reality underscores the urgency of addressing climate change in a way that centres on the experiences and needs of Aboriginal people.
But despite these challenges, we remain hopeful. Our community’s resilience, our commitment to each other, and our deep connection to our land and culture give us the strength to move forward.
We are not merely survivors; we are leaders, innovators, and custodians of our future.
In conclusion, I call upon the government, policymakers, and all Australians to stand with us as we rebuild. We need a response that is grounded in respect for our knowledge and leadership, one that recognises the importance of culturally appropriate solutions and invests in the long-term sustainability of our communities.
The floods of 2023 were a devastating event, but they also offer an opportunity to get it right – to build better homes, stronger communities, and a brighter future for our children.
The path ahead is challenging, but with the right support and investment, we can ensure that our children and future generations not only survive but thrive in the face of climate change.
Let us turn this moment of crisis into a moment of transformation, where the strength of Indigenous people is recognised, supported, and celebrated.
Author details
Emily Carter AM is a proud Gooniyandi and Kija woman from the Central/West Kimberley in Western Australia. With a strong belief in sovereignty, family, and a rights-based approach, she believes in creating equity and opportunity for everyone.
Emily is the current CEO of Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre in Fitzroy Crossing, building on the legacy of previous CEO June Oscar AO. Alongside June, Emily championed a community-led campaign for alcohol restrictions in the Kimberley, led research on the impacts of intergenerational trauma, and has worked tirelessly to reduce Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
A member of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council, the Commonwealth Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee, and Investment Dialogue for Australia’s Children – First Nations Leadership Council, Emily is a fierce advocate calling for First Nations Economic Empowerment to drive the systemic change needed to ensure Aboriginal people have the quality of life they deserve.
Her mantra is “your income shouldn’t determine your outcome/your postcode shouldn’t determine your access”. Emily was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours.
See Croakey’s archive of articles on disasters and extreme weather events
