Deja Vu Of An Anniversary To Remember

Newcastle Herald

Tuesday July 1, 2008

By TANI MITCHISON

A YEAR after the devastating floods that hit the Hunter on the June long weekend last year, businesses in the south-west of Lake Macquarie are bouncing back, according to Kathie Cummins from Southlakes Saddlery at Dora Creek.

Ms Cummins said that on the Friday before the long weekend last year, the business had to close because of a blackout and that on the Saturday staff from the saddlery worked to clean up the shop and move goods to a higher floor.

But the saddlery was able to be re-opened by the following Tuesday despite water flowing through the block which also contains a fruit shop, butcher and real estate agent.

As this year's June long weekend approached and rainy conditions again looked like turning into major storms, people shuddered at the thought the flooding might be repeated.

Dora Creek was one of the worst-hit areas last year when water crept up to many doors and inside some of the older houses built lower to the ground.

Sandbags were placed at the doors of shops to try to stop the water.

Emergency fire crews were called in to help evacuate locals from their homes, giving them free rides in a fire truck.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home