AS Cyclone Alfred barrelled towards North Stradbroke Island, residents braced themselves for a potentially destructive storm.
But for one family, the storm brought a miracle.
In a rare and heartwarming turn of events, twins were safely born at Dunwich just hours before the cyclone hit.
The dramatic birth unfolded under intense pressure, with the howling winds and rising tides outside contrasting with the quiet joy inside.
Premier David Crisafulli broke news of the twins’ birth.
“There are always little moments of magic, and overnight a set of twins were born at Dunwich on the island.
“We had paramedics and midwives who assisted the mum, and they continued to care for her, and that’s one of those little gems in an otherwise really stressful time for everybody,” he said.
Redland City Council Deputy Mayor Julie Talty said it was a wonderful outcome.
“Thanks to the Premier, Amanda Stoker, and Queensland Health, and our local disaster planning group, two midwives were stationed on the island to provide community health support while the transport was non-operational,” she said.
“Seems the forethought was insightful indeed.”
The Federal Member for Oodgeroo, Ms Stoker said it was wonderful to see all levels of government working together.
“There is no better news than the arrival of a couple of new Redlanders, so welcome to the world,” she said.
The two new arrivals were understood to be a boy and a girl.
Ms Stoker said the double birth highlighted the critical role of preparation.
“The midwives were stationed on the island to ensure that the community received the support they needed,” Ms Stoker said.
“A whole range of services, including midwifery, were arranged, ensuring that the people on the island could continue to get the care they needed even while transport was cut off.”
