Trapped for Days: Woman Rescued from South Village Car Park After Attempting to Locate the Legendary Flora Street Exit

Finn Seabrook | Local Correspondent | The Shire Sutherland Gazette

19 Juen 2025

KIRRAWEE - Emergency services were called to South Village car park yesterday after a woman was discovered semi-conscious in her vehicle, surrounded by expired groceries, an empty fuel tank, and what responders describe as “classic symptoms of navigational despair.”

The woman, in her 40s, had reportedly entered via Oak Road on Saturday morning for a “quick dash” to Coles before confidently aiming for the mythical Flora Street exit. She was found four days later by a delivery driver, clutching a crumpled packet of Old El Paso Taco Shells.

“She’d clearly been looping the same row for days,” said paramedic Steve. “Her glovebox was full of rationed protein bars, the Paddle Pops were soup, and she appeared to have been sustained entirely by dry taco shells from her last grocery haul.”

The South Village car park, commonly referred to by locals as “the Shire’s Bermuda Triangle,” has long perplexed even seasoned GPS systems. While signage technically exists, experts confirm it’s “largely decorative and at times spiritually misleading.”

Council is urging residents to take appropriate precautions when parking underground in Kirrawee, including packing a portable charger, three litres of water, a thermal blanket, and a flare gun.

A spokesperson added, “Under no circumstances should anyone attempt to locate the Flora Street exit without a map, emotional support friend, and at least one Sherpa.”

The woman has since been discharged and is said to be recovering well - although friends say she now visibly twitches whenever she hears a reversing beep.