Stories of Jasper… Three Years On revisits the impact of Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the unprecedented rainfall event that affected communities across Mareeba Shire in December 2023.

Through interviews with residents, emergency responders and community leaders, it reflects on one of the region’s most significant natural disasters and explores the recovery journey that has followed.

The Stories of Jasper… Three Years On documentary was filmed and produced by Hudson Films with assistance from Mareeba Shire Council.

The film was made with assistance provided by the Australian and Queensland governments through the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Although funding for this film has been provided by both the Australian and Queensland Governments, the material contained herein does not necessarily represent the views of either Government.

Visit Council’s Emergencies and Disasters webpage for further information.

Stories of Jasper

Published in May 2024

To shed light on the profound impact of tropical cyclone Jasper and the associated flooding on our community and individuals, Mareeba Shire Council is proud to announce the launch of a new video series titled ‘Stories of Jasper’.

Council received over 900 calls, with 185 requests for emergency assistance, during the aftermath of the tropical cyclone Jasper and associated rainfall.

“Behind every flood statistic lies a human story and Council went out to our community to document these stories early this year,” Mayor Angela Toppin said.

“Through ‘Stories of Jasper’ we aim to document the experiences, foster empathy and understanding, and create opportunities for meaningful conversations about resilience and community action. It is our hope that this series will help residents to prepare for the unexpected and to restore hope where it might be lost.”

The series will premiere on Council’s website and social media channels on Tuesday, 28 May 2024. Audiences can expect stories from residents residing in the Mt Molloy, Julatten, Biboohra, Mareeba and Kuranda areas.

“I would like to thank our residents who showed strength and resilience during the response and recovery of cyclone Jasper. I am very proud of the organisations, volunteers and neighbours who helped their fellow community members through one of our most difficult natural disasters,” Mayor Toppin concluded.

The video series was filmed and produced by Zoe Maree Media and Mareeba Shire Council with assistance provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

If you or anyone you know requires wellbeing support, please reach out to the following agencies:

• Mareeba Community Centre (07 4092 1948) and Kuranda Neighbourhood Centre (07 4093 8933) – for local support
• Red Cross – for practical support, psychosocial and well-being needs
• Lifeline Virtual Hub – dedicated support for people suffering emotional stress following Cyclone Jasper
• Community Recovery Support Services FNQ
• Rural Health Connect – Psychology Services

Visit the dedicated Disaster Support webpage on Council’s website www.msc.qld.gov.au/community/emergencies-disasters/disaster-support/ for further information.