TEACHERS from flood-bound Fitzroy Crossing in Western Australia were airlifted recently from Broome to open the school gates for the new school year.
More than 40 educators made the trip on an Air Force C-27J Spartan just two days before the end of the summer break.
For most on board, the military flight was a new experience.
It was the only way into Fitzroy Crossing after flood waters in the Kimberley region washed out the roads.
Early childhood teacher Sally Smee from Fitzroy Valley High School, said the experience was a first.
“I was pretty nervous about the flight but it was really exciting,” Ms Smee said.
“Your guys [ADF] were just amazing.”
Fitzroy Valley High School was undamaged by the floods, but re-opening after the summer break was in doubt as most staff were on leave outside the flood zone and were unable to return.
The Air Force flights made the start of term possible, much to the relief of Deputy Principal Nicola Angell.
“School is the heart of the community; if you’re closed, the community is not functioning at an optimal level,” Ms Angell said.
“Valley High School is a big family; this is just coming home to a big welcome, which is beautiful.”
Valley High School has 300 students, ranging from kindergarten through to Year 12.
The returning staff were keen to not be a burden on scarce resources in their community following the major flooding.
“Using an Air Force plane meant we could each bring two weeks of groceries and not be a draw on local stocks,” Ms Angell said.
“The Defence staff were lovely, generous and kind.
“It was just like the movies.”
