In the last couple of weeks, there have been two incidents where people required assistance. The community immediately stepped up because outside resources are just too far away. In the first incident, it was volunteers from the community, helping other community members out of a spot of bother. An ill-informed decision led to the situation. Like many communities, this community looks to the safety of its people before judging the action that led to it.

Using their own resources and on their own time, Jim, Eamon and Mark coordinated a rescue action over two days. The first day was about a person’s welfare, the second day their vehicle was retrieved.

In the second incident, volunteers and paid workers from nine different local agencies and organisations, worked together for a safe and successful outcome. It took over four hours and required communication and teamwork from all involved.

It is proof that when you are concerned with the way things are, the best action is to take action. If we continue to up-skill ourselves and to share the knowledge, we can take care of our own. The fact that we are at least two hours from other resources highlights the importance that we know our town and we know each other.

This article appeared in Wilcannia News, 17 February 2026.