OPERATION DEXTER
Status: Completed
In Response to: Devastating bushfires
Location: Rosedale, Qld
Active: Oct 14, 2020
Objective
Disaster Relief Australia, (DRA) launched a Type 4 bushfire recovery operation in the SW area of the Gladstone Regional Council LGA, on the 14th of October 2020.
In November/December 2018, a bushfire originating from Deepwater, Queensland southwest of Gladstone raged through the region for 2 weeks. The community lost 25 homes, multiple outbuildings and incurred significant stock losses. Locals sustained a fatality and countless injuries while fighting to save their properties. The fires burnt more than 75,000 hectares in and around the villages of Rosedale, Miriam Vale, Lowmead, Baffle Creek & Mount Maria.
Twenty months post bushfires, some community members were still without power and continued to reside in makeshift dwellings. Disaster Relief Australia was dedicated to come back into the community to provide recovery works including debris removal, chainsaw work & repairs to fence lines.
News and Field Ops Reports
Community & Volunteer Reflections
Privileged and very much humbled – Baz
I joined DRA in 2018, with my first deployment being Operation McLeod in late 2018/early 2019. Since then I have come back for six more deployments! It's good to be back in same community as part of Operation Dexter as we help recovery efforts within the Rosedale...
Community Story: Aaron Nimmo
Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) responded in the community of Rosedale left devastated by bushfires in 2019. Many residents lost houses, sheds, stables, fences, stock and the clean up efforts are ongoing. There are stories that pull on your heart strings and bring you...
Community Story: Brendan and Deb Clarke
Brendan Clarke and his wife Deb are one of the few District Coast locals who lost everything, including their home in the Deepwater Bushfires that swept through the region in late 2018, early 2019. They had initially stayed to protect their property and thinking it...
The Story behind Operation Dexter
Before Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) deploys for an Operation, we endeavor to research the history of veterans in the local community. We name our Operations in honour of local Defence veterans and their families. Thomas and Irene Dexter Our recent return to the...
Feeling of accomplishment – Sean
I am a civilian currently on deployment with DRA on Operation Dexter - Wave One. Yesterday, the DRA Strike Team and I attended a property in the Rosedale community that was affected by both floods and bushfires. The owner also has several health complications that...
Reflection – Bec – Operation Dexter
My name is Bec and I’m from the Brisbane DRT (Disaster Relief Team) . I am a vetaran who served in the Australian Army for 15 years. I was discharged in Dec 2018, nearly two years now. I grew up in country Victoria on a large grain farm where I am one of six children....
Reflection – Natalie Heller – Operation Dexter
I am an Environmental Engineer, a mom to 2 very rambunctious boys and a wife. I am Canadian / American, and I moved to Australia 2 months ago. After coming out of quarantine, I needed to find something for me to do. I saw some information in regard to SES however they...
Reflection Ben Fisher Operation Dexter
My nickname is Wig, I got this when I was 17 and it has stuck ever since. I am an ambo with the NSW Ambulance, I live on the Coast with my wife and children. I feel blessed in my life and this is one of the reasons I feel that giving back is something I wanted to do....
Disaster Relief Australia returns to assist bushfire affected Rosedale community with Operation Dexter
Disaster Relief Australia, (DRA) is launching a Type 4 bushfire recovery operation in the SW area of the Gladstone Regional Council LGA, commencing on the 14th of October 2020. In November/December 2018, a bushfire originating from Deepwater, Queensland southwest of...