Flynn Holman, a 21-year-old electrician from Cundletown, transformed his small tinny from a fishing boat into a lifesaving vessel this week, rescuing dozens of residents stranded by severe flooding on the NSW Mid North Coast.
Holman said the scale and speed of the floods took the community by surprise.
“We knew it was going to be bad, but not like this — it happened so fast,” he said. “We had no choice but to help. You just deal with what you’re given.”
Cundletown, located just 8 kilometres east of Taree, was among the hardest-hit areas as floodwaters inundated roads and homes.
‘Locals Stepping Up’
Holman and his friends, Tyson Lewis and John Dyball, began evacuating stranded residents on Wednesday. Since then, their efforts have been constant.
“People have lost everything. I’ve picked up families with nothing but a single garbage bag of possessions,” Holman said.
On Friday, the group switched to a commercial fishing boat to navigate more safely through strong currents in Ghinni Ghinni Creek while avoiding debris like fencing and silage bales.
They also helped establish an informal evacuation centre at the local church, providing hot meals for residents and stranded truck drivers.
“Honestly, it feels like we’ve been forgotten,” Holman said. “In times like this, you have to rely on the locals.”
Dangerous Conditions Delay Rescues
NSW SES Chief Superintendent Dallas Burnes described the conditions around Taree and Cundletown as extremely dangerous.
“Once roads are cut off, areas become isolated islands,” he said, adding that swift river currents and poor weather made boat rescues difficult, and at times even grounded helicopters.
Despite the challenges, locals like Dale Jordan in Port Macquarie stepped up, delivering essential supplies by boat to the town’s isolated North Shore community, where power had been cut and ferry services were suspended.
“My brother’s lived there for decades. They’re used to floods, but this one is sticking around a lot longer,” Jordan said.
Oyster Farmers and Fire Crews Join Rescue Efforts
In Coopernook, oyster farmer Ian Crisp used his boat to rescue over a dozen people during the week.
“We’ve got the equipment and know the area — why wouldn’t we help?” he said.
Rural Fire Service Captain Sherrie Gaul and her team took similar initiative, using an SES boat to rescue 17 people and 10 dogs.
“They were cold and wet but incredibly thankful,” Gaul said. “There’s never going to be enough emergency responders to help everyone, so locals pitching in is essential.”
Recovery Begins
As floodwaters began receding, communities like Cundletown began the slow process of cleaning up. Even local children joined in to help sweep away mud and debris.
“I’m so proud of how everyone’s come together,” Holman said. “It’s been a massive effort.”
