Come and look: Fiona Chique and Katy Wileman both said there was a lot of community interest in the new house. Photos: Aidan Briggs
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
After 18 months since the devastating floods, Rochester resident Fiona Chique can move back into her home next week.
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With concerns about future flood events in her mind, Ms Chique decided to build her house higher than it previously had been.
To make this happen, Ms Chique reached out to Southern Cross Custom Built Transportables’ Katy Wileman, who, as a flood victim herself, was glad to help.
“It’s been very therapeutic for me to be able to help other people and be able to get them to move forward with their homes because even though my own situation wasn’t total devastation, it has been a total nightmare,” Ms Wileman said.
“It was great for me to put my energy into other people’s houses. I think we should all celebrate when people return to their houses.
“The flood was awful, and it’s been a tough time for everyone in Rochester since, and I hope people seeing this house gives them a bit of hope about their own situation and about the future of Rochy.”
Viewing: Fiona Chique and Katy Wileman are excited to show the community Ms Chique’s new home. Photo: Aidan Briggs
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Ms Chique’s house was mainly built off-site. It was then lifted by a crane and placed on a higher base built at her address.
“I actually took the day off work to watch it happen. It was marvellous, and it was just so exciting to see it all come together like that,” she said.
“The amount of interest that it created was quite phenomenal. A lot of people were hanging around watching it because unless you see it, it’s pretty hard to visualise how it actually happens.”
Pleased with how her new house has addressed her fears, Ms Chique has decided to open her home for viewing. She hopes it will help other members of the community see what their future home might look like.
“A lot of people had made comments about wanting to see what’s inside, and I just thought, why not? Let’s do it. Let’s celebrate,” she said.
“Not just having a person getting back into their home, but the local trades showcasing their skills and talents as well.
“If people have the chance to do this (with their own house) then they should do it. One, you’re supporting the local community and local businesses, and two, you’re out of the way of the next water that comes through.”
The viewing will take place at 20 McKenzie St, Rochester, between 10am and 11am on Saturday, April 20.
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