Tropical Cyclone Hayley has left a trail of damage across the remote Kimberley, with isolated communities on the Dampier Peninsula bearing the brunt of the severe weather system. The cyclone made landfall as a category three storm on December 30, sparing major regional centres but causing significant disruption to smaller settlements.
Remote Communities Take Direct Hit
Tropical Cyclone Hayley crossed the coast near the Dampier Peninsula around 5pm on December 30, packing wind gusts of up to 157 kilometres per hour. The community of Lombadina recorded 131.8mm of rain and saw roofs torn from at least two homes. There were initial fears for the historic Lombadina Chapel, built from bush materials nearly a century ago, but reports indicate it escaped major damage.
Nearby Djarindjin also sustained impacts, with playgrounds wrecked and grandstands overturned. Nathan McIvor, chief executive of the Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation, reported that while building structures remained standing, a full assessment of council infrastructure was pending. "I'm still trying to assess some of the damage," McIvor said, praising emergency services for their rapid response.
Major Centres Spared as Clean-Up Begins
In a reprieve for the region, the larger West Kimberley centres of Derby and Broome, which were initially in the cyclone's projected path, emerged largely unscathed. Shire of Derby West Kimberley president Peter McCumstie confirmed only minor tree damage in Derby, noting the system passed about 80 kilometres northeast. "It was a very tight little system, so we didn't cop a lot of wind," McCumstie stated.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) deployed 17 State Emergency Service volunteers to Djarindjin and Lombadina to assist with making areas safe. Acting Kimberley superintendent Todd Pender confirmed on December 31 that there were no major reports of injuries, with damage largely limited to fallen trees, powerlines, and the two damaged roofs.
Flooding Impacts East Kimberley
As the weather system moved inland, heavy rainfall associated with Cyclone Hayley also affected the East Kimberley. The community of Warmun saw the Turkey Creek Bridge closed after flooding and a large tree fell across it. The debris was cleared, and the vital transport link was reopened on January 1.
Authorities continue to warn residents about the dangers of floodwaters. "There has been heavy rainfall across the region so also reminding people to not walk or drive through floodwaters — this is extremely dangerous," Superintendent Pender emphasised. Clean-up efforts across the impacted remote communities are now largely complete, with a focus shifting to detailed damage assessments.
