More than six weeks after floodwaters devastated areas of the Mid North Coast and Hunter Valley—rendering more than 800 homes uninhabitable—Anglicare Disaster Recovery volunteers were mobilised to assist local efforts.

The Anglicare team was called up to ease the burden on local volunteers, who have been working tirelessly since the disaster.

Operating from a regional Recovery Centre set up at the local Uniting Church, Anglicare volunteers joined various government and community service providers to support families and individuals as they come to terms with the full impact of the destruction.

Anna Conyers, Disaster Recovery Team Leader and a volunteer of 19 years, described the recovery operation as well-organised and collaborative.

“It was fantastic to have all the agencies, both government run and volunteer, working together seamlessly”, she said. “We were referring people on to each other and getting to know each other.”

The practical role of the Anglicare team was to provide personal care packs, including hand-knitted beanies and mittens, and cleaning materials—particularly for treating mould— and to make appropriate referrals. But they also implemented a person-centred focus in their work.

“Our role was what I would call emotional support, to be there and chat with people”, said DR volunteer Lola Bulkeley. “Other services understood, that along with the Chaplain service, we were able to offer care and a conversation. If they identified anyone needing that type of support, they’d let us know”.

This warmth and understanding proved especially important early in the week, when forecasts predicted a Weather Bomb in the region.

“There was a lot of anxiety about the forecast and how this might affect the area”, said Anna. “Some feared further flooding.”

But fortunately, despite more rain and wind, the impact was limited this time.

During their time in Taree, Anna and Lola visited the local OP shops, the Anglican church which ran a weekly Food Bank, and the relief centre set up by the Lions Club giving out food, blankets, white goods and kitchenware.

“These visits were to touch base and see what services and goods they had, so that we were referring appropriately”, said Anna.

Though more than six weeks had passed since the floods, some families were visiting the Recovery Centre for the first time, either because they’d only heard of it, or they were only now physically able to get there. Others were returning to the centre due to the complexity of their situations.

Recovery from the trauma and loss caused by a natural disaster is a long and complex process. Our Disaster Recovery teams understand how important it is to continue providing support even after the news cycle has moved on to other things.

In addition to the Taree Recovery Centre, Anglicare teams were deployed to recovery centres in Kempsey and Port Macquarie. We would like to thank these amazing individuals for generously giving their time and compassion—and for showing families that they are not alone, and that they have not been forgotten.

Visit our Volunteers page to learn how you can get involved, or Donate Here to provide financial support to our volunteer and emergency relief teams.