Over 700 volunteers have gathered in flood-affected Taree, New South Wales, this weekend to assist with the cleanup following last week’s devastating floods.
The town, which also suffered major flooding in 2021, was recently inundated with 500 millimetres of rain over just a few days, leading to extensive damage and the loss of property.
Volunteers from across the mid-north coast arrived to support a community initiative called the Mud Muster, held along the Manning River.
“I’ve come from Forster, but I’m a Taree girl at heart,” said Debra Brown.
“I just feel for everyone. I’m a retired nurse and I’ve been helping out all week — it’s heartbreaking to see the damage.”
She noted that some of the most severely affected homes remain inaccessible.
“Houses are filled with mud and debris — we had to clear a front door blocked by logs and sticks just so the owners could start cleaning out the house.
They’re completely overwhelmed and unsure where to start.”
Lingering Pain from Past Floods
Tracey Stevenson’s mother, whose Wingham home was damaged during the 2021 floods, is once again facing the emotional toll of another disaster.
“People are asking her what to throw away — it’s just too much and often ends in tears,” said Ms Stevenson.
“At night, you can’t even shut off your mind.”
She said the worst of the cleanup is now behind them after days of hard work.
“There’s this shift between being in ‘warrior mode’ and feeling devastated. But we’ve gotten through the hardest part — removing the mud, which was about four inches deep throughout the house.
Most of the belongings were lost, though we managed to save Mum’s bed.”
While the structure of the house can be repaired, some parts will need replacement — and the property was uninsured.
“My mum’s strong — she’s a farmer and a nurse. With time, support, and her animals, she’ll get through this.
We’ll keep supporting her and see in time whether she stays or considers relocating.”
Indigenous Communities Left Isolated
In the aftermath of the floods, Tanika Perry, First Nations lead for Mid Coast Community Flood Response, went door-to-door at the Biripi Aboriginal Mission in Purfleet, just south of Taree.
Access to the area was cut off initially, preventing food deliveries and contact with isolated family members.
“The impact has been severe,” Ms Perry said.
“In the last few days, we’ve been working on a coordinated strategy to support Indigenous communities through Aboriginal-controlled organisations.”
Some homes near the riverbank lost everything, while others remained structurally intact but suffered significant loss of belongings and mould damage.
