By the time their baby girl was born, Meme and Soemyint Theloep’s English wasn’t fluent, but they chose a name that made their Australian neighbours smile in understanding.

Blessing.

The charmed three-week-old baby escaped a rising tide of floodwater in a sling strapped across her father’s shoulders late on Thursday night.

The family’s home, a flat on the low-lying side of College Place at Gwynneville, was badly inundated when a creek at the back of the property broke its banks.

The Theloeps had no car to rely on and phoned Fire and Rescue NSW - which sent a truck to aid them - and neighbours, who had also called for help.

‘‘I looked out here and the water was rising very quickly,’’ Mr Theloep said.

‘‘It was rising inside my house.’’

Water was lapping at their knees as they carried Blessing out the driveway and into a fire truck.

Yesterday they returned to the property while a real estate agent inspected the damage and other members of the Burmese community visited in support.

The family is being aided by Illawarra Multicultural Services.