The 2011 deluge that nearly wiped out the remote East Kimberley township of Warmun has been commemorated in a limited-edition book, now available free to all in a digital edition.
Housing Minister Bill Marmion said Warrambany of Warrmarn was a fine account of the remarkable events surrounding the destruction and rebuilding of the township.
“The State Government and local residents have every reason to be proud of the achievements in the mammoth task of rebuilding Warmun in record time,” Mr Marmion said.
“It’s fantastic that this publication is available to a much wider audience thanks to digital technology.”
This week, nine people were recognised for their lifesaving actions on the day of the flood, receiving a group bravery citation in the annual Australian Bravery Awards.
Thanks to their courage, no lives were lost. But 76 homes were destroyed along with vehicles and the community’s much-loved arts centre, including 300 works by local Aboriginal artists.
“The Western Australian Cabinet moved quickly to approve formation of a reconstruction taskforce, with representatives from the community and local, State and Federal agencies,” the Minister said.
“The Department of Housing played a pivotal role in the re-establishment of the town.”
Warrambany of Warrmarn tells an illustrated tale of the event, the devastation, the rush to rebuild and the return to country, bookended by spectacular Kimberley landscapes and poignant photographs of the experience.
Fact File
Minister’s office - 6552 6800