Susanna Freymark
During the 2022 floods, Senior Constable Adam Bailey helped coordinate 400 rescues in and around Woodburn.
As a police officer based in Woodburn, Mr Bailey has retired after 19 years but his efforts and dedication are not forgotten.
At the Richmond Valley Council meeting on November 18, councillor Robert Hayes asked that a letter of recognition be sent to Mr Bailey.
Despite Woodburn Police Station and Mr Bailey’s home being inundated he helped coordinate rescues with locals in their boats.
He said in a NSW Police video at the time that he was buoyed by the incredible community spirit he saw from his neighbours and mates.
“I’ve never felt prouder than I have in the last couple of weeks, the support has been overwhelming… I can’t thank them all enough,” he said in the video, often wiping away tears as he spoke about the flood disaster.
Mr Hayes said Senior Constable Adam Bailey’s courage and commitment during the 2022 flood rescue operation were outstanding helping to save many lives.
The rescue operation continued throughout the night of 28 February 28, with Mr Bailey braving dangerous conditions and coordinating about 20 locally skippered boats.
“Senior Constable Bailey then went on to work tirelessly throughout the next seven days to take care of the local community,” Mr Hayes said.
“The Woodburn community is deeply grateful to Adam and his family for their dedicated service and it is appropriate that Council should recognise their long-standing contribution.”
All councillors agreed at the meeting to acknowledge Mr Bailey.
As part of the feedback from locals to the flood authority, Kilgin farmer Tony Carusi said:
“I am sure that all of the local police force contributed very professionally during the flood. In particular, I would like to commend the local police officer in Woodburn (Senior Constable Adam Bailey) for his outstanding work, particularly during the first two days of the February 28 flood. Snr Const Bailey coordinated the rescue of many hundreds of residents of Woodburn and the surrounding district. He directed (from the water’s edge) the actions of the many local residents who used their own boats for rescuing people – without doubt, this combined effort saved many lives.”
When IndyNR.com was making the documentary about the floods Tinnie Heroes, Mr Bailey’s name came up again and again.
He appears on some of the supplied footage – there he is at the water’s edge directing boats and helping his community.
Watch Tinnie Heroes below.