A visibly emotional Shire of Carnarvon President, Eddie Smith, has appeared on national television this morning to praise the efforts of the local community for their role in the recovery of missing toddler, four-year-old Cleo Smith, yesterday.
In an online interview with the Today show, Councillor Smith said he was incredibly proud of his community.
“The community stayed positive and I’m so proud of our community – it’s amazing,” he said.
“It was a massive effort… The level of support from the entire community of Australia – I’ve had phone calls from every state and territory…in fact I’ve had calls from New Zealand.
“A gorgeous little girl like that has just tugged at everybody’s heart strings.”
“I’m still getting emotional talking about it”, he said in the interview that was recorded last night.
He said Carnarvon was a close-knit community and had responded together to the plight of Cleo’s family following her disappearance.
“When you get a town as close as ours, that’s the way it is.”
“The community was behind the parents 110%. They’re a fantastic couple and it’s a testament to their strength and love for their daughter that pulled them through. I’m amazed at them.”
The Shire President described yesterday as the best day in the job he’d ever had.
“But I wanted to call a Bob Hawke and tell everybody – all the bosses in Australia – to give everyone a day off and you’re a mug if you don’t,” Cr Smith said with a smile.
A 36-year-old Carnarvon man remains in police custody. He is expected to be charged with offences related to Cleo’s alleged abduction today.
