Lucy Vader knows how incredibly lucky she is to be alive.
Convinced she would die on her roof as dangerous floodwaters continued to rise around her, the Lismore local remembers the exact moment she decided to save the one thing in her life that matters – her beloved border collie Dotti.
“It’s extraordinary how quick you realise what counts in life. She’s my best buddy, and I knew I had to save her,” Lucy, 44, shares exclusively with Woman’s Day just hours after being rescued.
“I’ve lost my house, my car and almost all I own, but I can fix most of that – but how do you replace this precious little lady.”
No one, least of all Lucy, expected conditions to deteriorate as fast as they did.
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Lucy decided to save the one thing in her life that matters – her beloved border collie Dotti.
(Images: Supplied)In what has become for some regions the worst natural disaster in almost 100 years, the renowned artist, who was due to have an exhibition next week, struggles to even speak about the most terrifying day of her life.
“I only bought my little house a year ago. I couldn’t get flood insurance – few can around here – but I had full comprehensive coverage for everything else,” she says.
“Within a few hours, things got dire – my furniture and the fridge were bobbing in the water, so I decided to put Dotti on a cushion that came floating by,” she explains.
“At around 7am I knew I had to get up on the roof, but she wouldn’t come with me – she was already way up in the ceiling cavity,” Lucy stops to catch her breath, and through a river of tears, describes what happened next.
WATCH: Footage of the devastating floods in NSW. Story continues after video.
“I was there for seven lonely hours, and the SES assured me they would come, but I knew they couldn’t send a chopper because of the fallen powerlines.
“Dotti’s constant cries for help will haunt me forever, but at least I knew she was alive.
“I’ve never prayed so hard – and then out of nowhere, this lone kayaker arrived, and I asked if he was the SES, and he replied, ‘Nope, I’m no one – but I’m here to get you’.
“I told him Dotti was inside, and he bravely climbed through an open window, grabbed her and brought her out underwater.
“He dropped us to a safe place where CWA volunteers picked us up. I don’t know his name – he wants to remain anonymous because he doesn’t think he’s a hero.”
And as the clean-up continues, Lucy can now reveal she’s been blessed with yet another stroke of luck.
The floodwaters took over Lucy’s home, but a few important items survived.
(Image: Supplied)“My handbag and my favourite Redback boots made it!
“But it’s the paintings I’d worked tirelessly to finish for next week’s exhibition at Michael Reid’s gallery in Berrima that look like they’re in perfect condition after being in floodwaters for days!
“My next painting is for our mystery kayaker – it will be my best work ever, painted with so much love and gratitude.
“If you’re reading this, just know you’ll always be our number one hero – thank you for saving us.”
Mick Fanning to the rescue
It’s not every day you get to hitch a ride on a jet ski with a former world champion surfer.
But that’s exactly what happened to NSW pharmacist Skye Swift when she got picked up by none other than Mick Fanning!
It’s not every day you get to hitch a ride with Mick Fanning.
(Image: Supplied)“I put out a call for someone to get me from Tweed Heads to my pharmacy in Murwillumbah so I could open the shop and help the locals access essential medication,” Skye, 40, explains.
“I got as far as Tumbulgum on a tinnie with the boys from The Pasta Factory, and through another local, Shannon Kitchener, I was told to wait and a jet ski was on its way – imagine my surprise when Mick pulled up!”
The 40-year-old three-time world champion, who lives at the southern end of Queensland’s Gold Coast, spoke exclusively to Woman’s Day just hours after coming to Skye’s rescue.
“It was a massive day – people needed help, and we could help,” he says with his trademark humility.
“Skye needed to get to the pharmacy fast to help people, so that’s what we did. There have been some terrible scenes for sure – I really feel for the people.”
Skye was headed for her pharmacy in Murwillumbah to help locals.
(Image: Supplied)For Skye, she couldn’t wait to tell her dedicated staffers – Robyn, Christi, Ruby, Ena and Kacey – who almost didn’t believe her!
“It was my husband Dean and our daughters, Ellie, nine, and Asha, seven, who I had the most explaining to do,” she laughs.
“I got to hug Mick Fanning for 15 minutes on a jet ski while going under bridges and dodging logs!
“He might be a great surfer, but in my books he’s a world champion human being. Thanks Mick – that was one heck of a ride!”
WANT TO HELP? If you would like to give money or goods to those affected by the devastating floods, Woman’s Day recommends visiting the Red Cross to provide a donation online or phone 1800 733 276.
For assistance and support, call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 2266 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Do you have an incredible real life story to share? Email us at [email protected]
