A GoFundMe page has been established to support the family of former Mount Isa man Robert Bax who drowned in a weir at Barcaldine last week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Emergency services were called to Loyd Jones Weir in Barcaldine around 6pm on April 28, after Robert Bax, 46, slipped and fell into floodwaters.
Tragically his body was recovered 200 metres downstream several hours later and a GoFundMe page has since been established by his sister, Tracey Berendes, to support his family with over $24,000 being raised.
Ms Berendes told the ABC she would remember "how amazing he was as a dad to Bonnie, Skye and Michael, and an amazing husband to Lauren."
"The family is still in a lot of shock and disbelief, everyone is just waiting for him to walk back through the door.. it is really surreal to everyone," she said.
"He was a larrikin and so loved by all. Rob was working as a grader driver around Barcaldine, he is one of the best machinery operators in the world.
"He was part of a production called Bobcat Dancing in Mount Isa putting his bobcat on its front wheels and spinning it around, he was incredible and will be greatly missed."
Ms Berendes said that the support they had received so far was overwhelming, but if anyone could help support the family it would be greatly appreciated.
"Having recently just moved to Barcaldine to start a new job and a new life for their family this has now left them shattered as all their savings went to this move, we are trying to raise as much as we can to help pay for funeral costs and living expenses," she said.
"The Barcaldine community has been very supportive and reaching out. The police and SES have been absolutely amazing and I would just like to thank them too for their efforts in the recovery of Robert.
"It wasn't an easy task with how much water was flowing through at the time, searching through the evening and recovering him so quickly, we are very grateful."
"It has been amazing they way the community has responded to support."
ALSO IN THE NEWS:
- Women on motorbikes take on outback challenge for Dolly's Dream charity
- Mount Isa athletes take out Dirt n Dust inaugural adventure run
- Over 800 temporary election jobs available across Kennedy
- Mount Isa Mayor votes against pay rise for herself and councillors
- Candidates need to address Western Qld concerns
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark https://www.northweststar.com.au/
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
