Nauiyu residents return to 'gut-wrenching' scenes of flood devastation

Residents of Nauiyu, a community in Australia's Northern Territory, are returning to scenes of devastation three months after devastating floods forced their evacuation. While some homes have been repaired, many are finding a mix of rebuilt structures and widespread destruction. Service providers are urging governments to bolster support for the community's recovery and remediation efforts.

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We're doing a lot of things that we missed out on, like fishing and being outside. No-one's telling us what to do, where to go, what time to sign in, what time to sign out.

Evacuees began returning last week to find their community altered by record floodwaters that peaked at 16.26 meters in March. Long-time resident Wally Johnston expressed relief at being back with his family, enjoying activities like fishing and the freedom of being home. However, for others, like Ronald Cooper, the return is bittersweet. Cooper described the experience as 'gut-wrenching,' noting the community remains a 'big mess.'

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I'm glad to be back, and sad. It's a bit gut-wrenching. I went for a drive yesterday just to see how it feels around the community and it's still a big mess, so that's a bit hard.

The visible evidence of the floods is stark: roadside mounds of dirt and debris from a damaged barbed wire fence surrounding the public swimming pool, which itself is littered with rubbish and in disrepair. Cooper highlighted these conditions as potential health and safety hazards, particularly concerning for older residents susceptible to diseases like melioidosis, which can be present in the soil.

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I reckon for the older people they're going to be a bit scared of melioidosis and that sort of thing in the soil.

As remaining evacuees prepare to return, the Victoria Daly Regional Council (VDRC) is facing significant funding challenges. Jennifer Marston, VDRC chief executive, stated that funding is desperately needed for buildings not owned by the NT government, such as the Nauiyu Aged Care Service facility. This facility, riddled with black mould and asbestos, prevents the resumption of essential services like daily meals and activities for the elderly. Marston emphasized the urgency of restoring these services before more residents return.

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We [normally] feed two meals a day to older people in community, we drive around to their houses, we do washing, we'll bring them in and do activities. We can't offer any of that to anyone [at the moment], and I know they're all coming back soon. So we're really keen to make sure we can stand up with service again.