I’ve been tied to my computer typing stories about flood updates, rescues and river heights. It’s been so intense that sometimes I forget to look outside.

Fortunately, I have a bluey called Jelly (don’t ask, it’s a long story) who keeps tapping me with her paw.

“Just one more story…” I say.

She doesn’t believe me and pushes her nose against my leg. Taps her paw again. There is a small, pathetic whine – she really has had enough.

As soon as I get her dog lead and mention the ‘w’ word, she is thrilled.

Ears alert, standing by the door, she taps the screen with her paw when I take too long to get my sandshoes on.

During the past week ( it felt like months). I’ve been so focused on BOM maps and errant cyclones, I rarely looked up to see how my own backyard is faring in this weather.

My home is up high on a hill in Mallanganee.

The rain fills the drains and crevices in the village. Most of it runs away through the endless channels across the paddocks.

I walk around town with Jelly and take some pictures.

Jelly cares nothing for the view and jumps and frolics in and out of the water.

It’s good to be out in air that feels washed clean by all the rain. There is no wind – the stillness is a luxury.

With rivers still rising and more rain to come, I know for many this weather event started by Alfred is still ongoing and that tonight, there will be anxious eyes on river heights. Tomorrow, there will be more news stories to write.

But for half an hour today, I forget all that and play in the puddles with my dog.

Here are more photos from around Mallanganee.

See all the pictures at indyNR.com.
This article appeared on indyNR.com on 9 March 2025.