STORIES FROM THE STORM - The Stories

Aussie Spirit Shines Light Through Storm by Sonia Anne Ellem

Battered by howling winds and torrential rain, I push through the elements along George Street, towards Central Station. Passing hundreds of inside out umbrellas, discarded in bins and thousands of people, squelching hurriedly towards shelter.

Cold and wet, I board the 1547 for Newcastle. 1 hour out I’m beginning to defrost and dry out – then our train jolts to a halt.

Female voice announces:

“Due to bad weather, we don’t know how long before we are able to get going again”

Female Teenager (returning home from school) replies:

“Oooh, why couldn’t this have happened this morning?”

Our carriage bursts into laughter and everyone starts chatting to one another. The mood is set, the Aussie spirit takes over.

45 minutes on, a guard does the “Train Walk” and information starts to flow.

A Land slide is blocking our train from behind. In front, flood waters are racing across the track. The Highway is flooded - buses are not an option.

Cold, dark, wind howling, rain smashing against the windows. We are somewhere south of Wyong? We sit, we wait.

30minutes on - waters have receded a little and buses can get through

Off the train, across the tracks, over the bridge and onto a Foggs bus

Crawling slowly through the night we are turned back three times by raging flood waters.

Huge credit to the driver and train guard, neither of who will give up. They are asking questions and looking for safe alternate routes. They are keeping everyone’s spirits up with their persistence and positive outlook.

Meanwhile……………..

Dedicated family and friends are courageously navigating their way through floodwaters, to our pick up points…………….where ever that might be?

While I am slowly transported around Newcastle, my partner is pulling several cars out of flood waters, en route to rescue me. Very lucky he drove his truck into town!

Our destination keeps changing as information comes through about road flooding. We’re headed for Newcastle Station, then Broadmeadow Station, then John James Hospital, then…………..

Our bus breaks down!

Good fortune - another bus is passing. Our driver races to the middle of the road, waving his arms like a mad man.

There’s room for everyone! The new bus rolls very cautiously through thigh deep water, around huge, fallen trees, past hundreds of deserted cars, saturated walkers and SES crew.

A New Zealand lady speaks with the Guard. She has just arrived in Australia and has no idea where she is. Her friend’s house is flooded, they are cut off and unable to collect her. Our Guard assures her he’ll help her, even if he has to drive her somewhere himself!

Several other people on the bus have offered lifts and emergency accommodation to fellow bus travelers.

Finally we arrived at destination number 4!......Broadmeadow Station.

There is much loud cheering and clapping in appreciation to our driver and train guard. Mission accomplished – we are all dry and safe.

Much thanks and appreciation to our bus driver and accompanying train guard, for confronting torrential rain and cyclonic winds while ensuring our safety and keeping our spirits up.

Loving appreciation also to our family and friends, for braving the elements, helping others along the way and risking their own lives to come to our rescue – thank you.

A night to remember – 9 June 2007.

Storm Stories index Page...