Two years after ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie unleashed devastating floods across the Kimberley, recovery is still underway. Homes were lost, communities fractured, and isolation deepened. But thanks to incredible generosity and collaboration, hope is returning.
GIVIT has been working with local organisations to deliver programs that reconnect people, strengthen resilience, and bring back some joy to the local community.
Cooking up confidence
After the floods, young people in Fitzroy Valley faced enormous challenges. To help them heal and reconnect, GIVIT supported the Shire of Derby West Kimberley to run a school holiday cooking program with Chef Steph McLeod.
The classes were a big success, with Chef McLeod facilitating an incredible activity that taught valuable life skills and provided social connections. Up to 170 kids joined in - learning, laughing, and sharing meals together. For many, it was the first taste of normality in months.
The Shire of Derby/West Kimberley said: "Massive thank you to GIVIT for supporting [us] with funding to bring Chef Steph up to Fitzroy Crossing for two jam-packed weeks of daily cooking workshops! The youth have absolutely loved it, lining up at the door every afternoon, eager to get cooking. Over 100 meals have been prepared, cooked, and served daily!
The kids (and staff!) are learning new skills, and the recipes are such a hit they’re asking for copies to take home. We are so grateful for this opportunity - thank you, GIVIT, from the Fitzroy Mob!"
Donated fishing equipment creates ripples of healing
In the wake of the crisis, communities in Fitzroy Valley were left not only with physical damage but deep emotional scars. The community focused on rebuilding essential services, but people longed for connection - with each other, with culture, and with Country.
Youth activities were put on hold, leaving young people without a crucial connection to their heritage. In their remote town, far from the activities of metro areas, creativity was needed to keep kids engaged.
To help them reconnect with their culture, the Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation hosted a youth fishing competition. Through GIVIT, Kmart donated fishing gear including hooks and tackle boxes so that these children could throw a handline - a skill passed down through generations.
Soon laughter and conversation returned to the banks of the Martuwarra River - a place of healing, a source of strength, and a reminder of resilience. Returning to the river after the trauma of the floods was vital for restoring hope and wellbeing.
Back in the game: footy brings hope
Among the losses was something deeply cherished in Fitzroy Valley - footy. For the Muludja Lions women’s and men’s AFL teams, the floods meant an entire season was wiped out.
Footy isn’t just a sport here. It’s where communities come together, where resilience is built, and where spirits soar. Missing a season was crushing for the players and their supporters.
Thanks to generous donors, GIVIT provided brand-new guernseys for both teams. When the women’s team pulled on their jerseys for the finals, their smiles said it all - pride, belonging, and a sense of normality after months of hardship.
The men’s team also returned to the field after enduring economic stress, mental health challenges, and overcrowded living conditions caused by the floods. Footy gave them purpose, mateship, and a reason to celebrate again.
In Fitzroy Valley, footy is life. And getting these teams back on the oval was a huge boost for community resilience and wellbeing.
A safe haven for Kimberley youth: The Night Place changing lives
The Youth Connection Night Place, established by Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation with the support of WA Police, provides a safe haven and comprehensive support after hours for children and youth in the Kimberley town of Fitzroy Crossing. Young people can drop in to meet their basic needs - a hot meal, laundry and shower facilities, one-on-one mentoring, and transport to a safe location.
Thanks to generous donations from GIVIT's kind-hearted community, GIVIT was proud to provide clothing, board games, towels, thongs, and underwear to the young people who rely on the centre.
When young people say, “Can this place be forever?” - we know that generosity is making a difference.
Beyond essentials: why emotional and cultural recovery matters after disasters
When disasters hit, food, water and shelter are critical - but true recovery goes deeper. People need more than basics; they need connection, hope and belonging.
- Community engagement. Recovery works best when communities lead the way. Inclusive engagement builds trust and empowers people to shape their own future.
- Mental and emotional wellbeing. Healing isn’t just physical. Activities like art programs, storytelling and cultural ceremonies help people process trauma and restore resilience.
- Social connections. Isolation can linger long after the crisis. Community gatherings and shared projects rebuild networks and strengthen the feelings of "we're all in this together".
- Reconnection to Country. For First Nations communities, connection to Country - land, sea and sky - is vital for spiritual and emotional recovery. Supporting cultural practices and Country visits is essential.
Research shows community-led, culturally grounded recovery creates stronger, healthier communities ready to face the future. By supporting GIVIT, you're supporting initiatives that go beyond essentials - including funding creative recovery programs, backing local leaders, and respecting cultural healing practices.
*Data as at 12 October 2023.
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