This weekend's 10th anniversary (January 10, 2021) of the flooding in the Toowoomba Region and the wider natural disaster that inundated much of the state is a time for deep reflection and praise, according to Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio.
Mayor Antonio said the flood event of January 10, 2011 in Toowoomba left indelible memories for anyone who witnessed the surging water or saw unimaginable pictures and vision of the disaster that isolated the city and cut off much of the broader region.
The Toowoomba flash flood was part of a wider flood disaster across Queensland that claimed 33 lives (with three people still missing) and which saw more than 78% of the state declared a disaster zone.
"Most importantly, we recall the tragic loss of three lives that occurred in the Toowoomba Region at that time," Mayor Antonio said.
"It is a time to remember Donna Rice and her son, Jordan, who died when they were swept from their car during a valiant rescue attempt at the intersection of James and Kitchener streets.
"We also pause to remember Robert Kelly of Gracemere, who died on a flooded crossing near Brymaroo.
