Don and Thea Redman, who were pulled to safety by neighbours after floodwater ripped through their house in April, have finally moved back into their home this week.
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The couple first moved in to the property as a young couple in November 1955 and raised a large family. Sixty years later to the month they walked back in after six months in temporary accommodation.
“It’s been a long six months,” Mrs Redman said.
“We lost it all, only the shell of the house was left.
“But it’s really nice now, we’re very pleased to be back.”
Next-door neighbours Ralf and Kat Wittmann rescued the elderly couple but watched on as both their houses were gutted.
The Wittmann’s are still pursuing insurance claims and hope to re-enter their home before Christmas.
Mr Redman said he was eternally grateful to his neighbours for saving their lives.
“We wouldn’t be there if not for Ralf,” he said.
“Thea couldn’t open the door for all the water pressure.
“And I can’t swim,” Mrs Redman added with a laugh.
The Redman’s granddaughter is painting a family tree on one of the freshly-painted walls. To map out the 57 members of the family who trace their roots back to the Hooke Street home, the painting nearly reaches the five-and-a-half foot flood water line.
For the last 60 years the house has been the family venue for Christmas lunch and the Redman’s were relieved they could continue the tradition.
Mrs Redman said her son-in-law, who rebuilt and renovated the house, had worked like a Trojan to complete it.
“It took 60 years and a flood but I’ve finally got a new house,” she said.
“I’m happy we’ll be in here for Christmas again.”
“It’s beautiful.”
The Redman’s, as with many other flood displaced residents, stayed in the Tall Timbers motel for weeks until they were able to find semi-permanent accommodation in town.
“We’re extremely thankful to Anne and Rodney Barnes at the motel who put us up,” Mrs Redman said.
