Oral history interview, Sue Gray
Production date
17 Jul 2023
About this object
Sue Gray was interviewed by Magella Kerr on Wonnarua Country at Maitland Administration Centre, 263 High Street, Maitland on the 17th of July 2023, as part of the Maitland Library’s Oral History Project 2023. The aim of this project was to record oral history interviews from a diverse cross-section of the Maitland community impacted by recent flooding events.
In this interview, Sue details her memories as a resident of Gillieston Heights turned ‘Gillieston Island’ and the experience of becoming isolated from the greater Maitland area by flood waters for nine days in July of 2022.
Originally from the West Country of England, Sue spent her formative years in England and relocated several times to various townships. Sue explains that her and her husband Mike’s decision to immigrate to Australia from Torquay, England was to be close to their daughters and grandchildren who had all made the move to Australia in prior years. Sue recounts the house search in the Hunter region and Gillieston Heights appeal.
This interview outlines the timeline of the flooding in Maitland in July 2022, from initial weather warnings to the eventuating nine days of isolation for the Gillieston Heights community. Sue shares the roles of emergency personnel including Rural Fire Service (RFS) and State Emergency Service (SES) workers who were able to ferry across food, and essential medical supplies and even transport a pharmacist and doctor to the ‘island’.
Sue reflects on community reactions, and generosity she witnessed between Gillieston residents during this time and further shares the encouraging community spirit that grows in difficult times.
Any views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this interview are solely those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of Maitland City Council. If you have concerns about material made available on this website, please contact us at opened.minds@maitland.nsw.gov.au.
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