A Cairns family is happy to return home for Christmas more than a year after Cyclone Jasper, but more than 1,000 homes are still damaged as an expert warns of worse and more regular disasters.

December 17 marks 12 months since the worst flood in Cairns' history. Machans Beach resident Brett Hitchens's house was damaged by floodwater, with the retired teacher only moving back in last month.

Picture: Brendan Radke Last year, Mr Sexton and other volunteers gave out presents to children in flood-ravaged communities, including Machans Beach and Holloways Beach. “It was heartbreaking ...