When Private Ronin Saunders looked at the devastation caused by the flooding in Cooktown following ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, he didn’t hesitate to provide emergency support to his local community in nearby Wujal Wujal.
After securing time off from his civilian employer – local farmer Dave Webber – Private Saunders joined other reservists from 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment, Privates Coleridge Scotford and Keenan Yale Pearson, under the guidance of Lance Corporal Bowen.
With areas cut off from road access, Private Saunders spent four days flying an Army AW-139 helicopter to nearby towns, checking on residents and providing essential supplies.
“We were really busy working with the Queensland Police doing welfare checks in Wujal Wujal and making sure people were okay,” Private Saunders said.
“With damage to roads, it made it hard for them to get places, and many were without power and showers. We took them food, water, and helped where needed.
“A few Chinooks arrived in Cooktown with pallets of water, sultana bran, Weetbix, bread and potatoes.”
Lance Corporal Bowen believed the reservists’ work really helped where most were locals and had connections to the community.
“It was great to have a team on the ground in Cooktown supporting surrounding areas with essential supplies,” Corporal Bowen said.
“About 30 people came from Wujal Wujal on the Chinook, who needed medicines and other essential items.
“We were lucky to have Queensland Ambulance here to meet those people.”
