Eugowra's courage inspires new honour

durance and sacrifice of Eugowra community members on and following the tragic flood of 14 November 2022 has inspired a new honour from the Royal Humane Society of NSW. Eugowra is the recipient of the inaugural Community Resilience Award, presented by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, as Patron of The Royal Humane Society of NSW at Government House. Mr David Turner, Chair of the Royal Humane Society of NSW, said the award recognised collective bravery in the face of overwhelming odds in a natural disaster. “The inaugural Community Resilience Award will be presented to the citizens of Eugowra for their outstanding courage, humanity, endurance and sacrifice in response to the disastrous 2022 flash flood,” he said. On that day, Eugowra community members turned out as one to rescue their fellow citizens, care for the sick, injured and homeless and deal with the trauma of losing loved ones, houses, community infrastructure, businesses and animals, the Royal Humane Society of NSW acknowledged. They have banded together to rebuild the town, their community, and their lives. Even children have played their part, not only displaying great courage during the flood but welcoming their mates to their classrooms when school facilities were wrecked, and recording the day in song and art. Cabonne Mayor Kevin Beatty said he was deeply privileged to accept the award on behalf of Eugowra residents, a moment that brought back memories of that day filled with uncertainty and fear. “When disaster struck, Eugowra stood united,” he said. “Neighbours rescued neighbours, cared for the sick and injured and faced unimaginable loss; loved ones, homes, businesses, animals, and vital infrastructure. “Despite these overwhelming challenges, the community rallied together to rebuild their town and their lives. “This award ensures that Eugowra’s determination and unity will never be forgotten. “It is a lasting legacy of what can be achieved when a community faces adversity as one.” Cr Beatty said there was still much to be done, but the community had endured, together, and there was light at the end of the tunnel. “As the local schoolchildren and alumni of St Joseph’s Catholic School, Eugowra told the story in song, “we are mighty, we are brave … together we will help each other stay.”,” he said. “Those words capture the spirit of Eugowra and everyone who stood up in the face of disaster, rescuers, volunteers, and the community itself.” The investiture ceremony also recognised more Eugowra locals and emergency services involved in the rescues that day for their bravery. Her Excellency was in Eugowra in March 2025 to present bravery honours to 47 members of the community. At Government House this month, Mr Chris Smith, Mr Jacob Townsend and Mrs Rosemary Townsend were also honoured for their deeds that day. Mr Smith received The Royal Humane Society’s silver medal. Jacob Townsend was also awarded the silver medal and Rosemary Townsend the bronze medal for their acts that day. Extending the recognition of bravery, several helicopter crews from Bankstown, Wollongong and Orange who responded to the disaster were recognised for bravery. These ‘chopper crews’, included critical care paramedics, pilots and air crew who over many hours performed complex rescues, winching operations, emergency medical care, and transport of the injured to nearby regional hospitals. The community honour also recognises those whose stories remain untold, added Andrew Parsons from the Royal Humane Society of NSW. Many individual stories of bravery are yet to be told and the Society stands ready to confer further awards in due course. The Royal Humane Society of NSW was founded in 1877 to honour the bravery of those who risk their lives to save others in life-threatening situations. To nominate someone, go online to https://royalhumanesocietynsw.org/

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