7 April 2026
When floodwaters swept across the Western Downs in March, the scale of the impact was both sudden and far-reaching. In Chinchilla alone, rising waters cut off road access to Miles and beyond, isolating communities and disrupting essential services. Across the region, dozens of roads were closed, leaving many residents, particularly older people, vulnerable and in need of support.
But in the face of adversity, something remarkable happened. Staff across our Residential Aged Care (RAC) services and Community Home Care teams came together, stepping beyond their usual roles to ensure no resident or client was left without care.
With many home care visits unable to proceed due to impassable roads, Home Care staff redirected their efforts, working alongside RAC teams within residential homes.
At the same time, RAC staff extended their reach into the community wherever it was safe to do so, supporting clients in need.
For one Home Care client, Maria, the floods brought an unsettling experience. Living beside Charlie’s Creek in Chinchilla, her home remained safe from floodwaters due to its elevated position, but she was surrounded with no safe way in or out.
As conditions worsened, she was evacuated by local police and SES by boat and temporarily accommodated at the Palms Motel as part of the government’s disaster management response.
But even during disruption, Maria remained closely connected to her care community. Western Downs Home Care Manager, Jasmine, quickly arranged for Maria to have her meals at Illoura Village Residential Aged Care Home, where she could spend time with friends Judith and Margie, who live there. Around the same time, Maria also celebrated her birthday, an occasion made special by members of the Home Care team who came together to celebrate with her.
“In the Western Downs, particularly during disaster and recovery, across home care, residential aged care and community services, things don’t always go to plan, but when we stay connected as a team, adapt when needed, and keep our clients at the centre of everything we do, we always find a way forward,” Jasmine said.
The collaboration across teams went far beyond logistics, it reflected a deep sense of shared purpose. Staff checked in on one another, swapped shifts, shared resources, and remained in close communication to respond quickly as conditions changed. “It was great to see the SCC community come together during this time. Nothing was too big a problem to overcome,” said Peter, Western Downs Regional Operations Manager. “Staff were offering to swap shifts for others who could not attend their shifts, and our Residential homes welcomed the experience of Home Care staff to assist. The spirit that lifted others was felt across the region. Families commented they felt their loved ones were the priority and it showed.”
For many residents and clients, this support provided not just practical assistance, but reassurance during an uncertain time. The floods may have tested the region, but they also highlighted the strength of a community united by service, courage and compassion, working together to ensure no one was left behind.
