When the Waters Rose: How Gold Coast Surfers United a Community | The Untold Story Behind Australia’s Greatest Flood Rescue
MICK FANNING, a three-time world surfing champion, led a bold flood rescue in his hometown. Using jet skis, he and his team created essential lifelines for residents. Amid a communication blackout, his tweet to Elon Musk resulted in a rapid Starlink deployment, providing high-speed internet within 48 hours. This improved communication and coordination, setting a new standard for flood responses. Their efforts are captured in “Washed Away,” showcasing community resilience in overcoming disaster.
When the flood waters hit the Northern Rivers on February 28, 2022, it wasn’t government agencies that led the response. It was a group of surfers, led by three-time world champion Mick Fanning, who became the unlikely architects of Australia’s most remarkable community-powered rescue mission.
The Call That Changed Everything
“Mate, it’s so heavy!.” Joel Parkinson’s urgent call to Mick Fanning and crew sparked a six-day rescue operation that redefined community response. Within hours, the Tweed Heads boat ramp transformed into a makeshift emergency hub, with surfers using their intimate knowledge of water dynamics to navigate the treacherous flood waters.
A Community of Heroes Emerges
While Mick Fanning’s name draws headlines, “Washed Away” reveals the true heart of this story – the extraordinary ordinary people who stepped up: Patchy and Rick risked dangerous waters to deliver insulin through flood waters, driven by Patchy’s understanding as a father of a diabetic son.
Luke completed a critical hospital blood delivery in 51 minutes when he was waiting for official channels for 48 hours.
Renee and Benji Honey, Caz Goulding, Hammo, and Jarrah Tutton, who worked tirelessly alongside countless unnamed heroes Renee, Benji Honey + Local who turned a corner store warehouse into an emergency response centre
Innovation Born from Necessity
When communication systems failed, community innovation soared. A tweet from Fanning to Elon Musk, amplified by Chris Hemsworth’s connections, secured vital Starlink units within 48 hours – a solution typically reserved for international disaster zones.
The Battle Continues: 2.5 Years On
“The waters receded, but the struggle didn’t,” reflects Fanning, touring areas where: 40% of homes remain uninhabitable.
The local IGA – a community lifeline – still operates from temporary facilities
Families navigate complex grant applications with limited success Mental health emerges as a silent secondary crisis. Now the IGA has been demolished.
Hands and Hearts: The Community Fights Back
Through initiatives like Hands and Hearts, the community continues to lead the recovery:
48 homes rebuilt for vulnerable residents
Goal set to restore 100 family homes
Ongoing support networks established
Local knowledge driving recovery efforts
An Epic Aussie Music Score
The story of community resilience is amplified by an extraordinary musical collaboration featuring Australian icons:
- Jon Stevens (Noiseworks)
- Ziggy Alberts
- Pete Murray
- Silverchair
- Tex Perkins
- Goanna’s “Solid Rock” serves as an anthem of strength.
- Felipe Baldomir and Ben Jenz provide powerful original scores.
More Than a Documentary
“Washed Away” isn’t just documenting history – it’s actively creating change. Every viewing directly supports ongoing flood recovery efforts through MRNC’s Hands and Hearts project. As climate-related disasters become more frequent, the lessons from these surf champions-turned-rescuers become increasingly valuable.
How You Can Help
Watch “Washed Away” – Every paid stream supports recovery efforts
Attend the launch event at Balter Brewery
Follow and share:
Instagram: @washedawaymovie
Facebook: /washedawaymovie
The Legacy Lives On
“That’s what we do,” says Fanning. “We support each other, we support our neighbours and let them know they are not forgotten.” In an era where natural disasters are becoming more frequent, this story of community resilience offers hope and a blueprint for future crisis response.
Join us in celebrating and supporting this extraordinary Australian story of mate ship, courage, and community spirit.
