The evacuation of the Tumbarumba township on New Year’s Eve meant a slight change of plans for two of our team members.

During the recent Dunns Rd bushfire emergency, Tumbarumba Site Accountant Jo-Anne Crane and her partner Site Engineer James Davies, were expecting the arrival of a baby at any tick of the clock.

Mum, Jo, described events to Nine News Riverina: “James’ mum and dad live in Tumbarumba and they lost their house that morning. We decided, with me being pregnant, it was just too risky to stay.”

James, stayed behind to protect the couple’s own house. Later, from the safety of Wagga, he told Nine News: “We knew eventually we’d need to leave and just leave it up to the heroes up there. We did what we could while we could.”

Meanwhile Jo, with their two-year-old son Oliver, slept in evacuation accommodation for several nights. “I must admit staying at the hospital was a rather pleasant change” she said.

We’re thrilled to report that Alice was born healthy in Wagga Wagga Hospital on 3 January. We expect that the dramatic timing of her arrival will attract a few mentions at family functions in the future. But of course, beautiful Alice will not be held responsible ­- everyone in the family is now fully versed in the power of mother nature.

Watch this Nine News Riverina story… for the full story.