Locals can register to see preview of flood film Washed Away

*A still from the flood film* Washed Away.

Susanna Freymark

Lyndall Murray had no idea the people she would meet as floodwaters raged across towns, villages and farmland.

Surfer Mick Fanning was one of the people who jumped in to help people stranded in floodwaters.

There were many more. People with helicopters, jetskis and tinnies rushed to rescue others.

Those connections and the people rescued led to the making of the film Washed Away by Terry Webster and Stuart McKay.

As the floodwaters rose on February 28 –March 1, Lyndall was fielding calls from people who needed to be rescued.

“I had a call about a woman who was going into labour at Coraki,” Lyndall said.

She connected with Mish Canning, a mate of Mick Fanning who knew Rotorwing that did helicopter rescues.

At the time, when Lyndall was told – “Anything you need, just call Mick,” – she had no idea it was the famous Australian surfer.

*Surfer Mick Fanning at one of the Coolangatta golf days he organised as a fundraiser for flood recovery. Photo: Contributed*

“If anyone needed rescuing, I’d call him,” she said.

After 14 days of organising rescues, Lyndall handed over to the emergency services.

More than two years after that experience Lyndall has been helping with post-production of Washed Away.

The film is weeks away from its launch in September. Before that, the communities featured in the film have the opportunity to see it and give feedback before the final edits and release.

The final film will be a pay-to-view and 50% of the profits will go towards buying trades and materials for the Hands & Hearts Project Lyndall is running to repair 100 flood damaged homes.

Mick has helped through the Mick Fanning Charity Golf Days raising $1.8million with $50,000 donated last year to the Hands and Hearts Project, supported by Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre.

Commentator Hamish Blake was at one of the first golf days.

“Mick Fanning is a legend with a big heart,” Hamish said.

“We know one year won’t fix the devastation, but we’re here to remind you, Northern Rivers, that you’re not forgotten.”