12 months ago, the Manning region was in crisis. 

Flood waters had destroyed homes and services. The region was cut off from supplies. 

Those not directly impacted watched on in horror wondering what we could do to support. 

Bishop Michael Kennedy turned those feelings of hopelessness into action. 

Launching the Bishop’s Flood Appeal, the broader Catholic community generously raised more than $160,000 to support those impacted in the Manning. 

Watch this short film capturing the impact of the Diocese’s work last year.

 

Sr Gaye Lennon RSM, Rural Ministry Partner within the Mission and Evangelisation team, travelled to the flood-affected communities in the weeks that followed. Six months on, she was still there. Supporting parishes, farmers and families as they slowly rebuild their lives.   

Her ministry has been both practical and pastoral. She has helped distribute funds from the Bishop’s Flood Appeal to those most in need, but the impact is still felt across the region in differing ways. 

Aurora checked in with our agencies in Taree 12 months on and, as is evident in the reflections of those on the ground, the impact of the natural disaster lives on.

Deacon Vince Ryan, Chaplain and Pastoral Care Worker for St Clare’s High School and St Joseph’s Primary School 

Deacon Vince was on the ground last year, working as a Disaster Recovery Chaplain involved in the Evacuation Centre in Tuncurry after the floods. 

As Chaplain to the Catholic schools in Taree, he has seen firsthand the impacts on students and the broader community. 

People have progressed in their endeavours to rebuild their lives. The rural community have made decisions about whether they rebuild their farming businesses or not. Some have decided they can’t continue as the losses of animal stock, farm machinery, fodder and their homes make it too burdensome to rebuild.  

At the same time many have decided they will continue and take the necessary steps to recommence their farming activities. People in the urban areas have had their repairs either completed or nearly completed. Some also may be still struggling with insurance claims or simply don’t have the funds to do full repairs. 

Our schools have been wonderful in their care of staff and families who have been impacted with staff cooking and providing food. 

The mental health of people has been one of the biggest challenges for so many in our local communities. The floods created a level of trauma that affected people deeply. Even the current rains are causing problems, particularly with our young.

Yet, the human spirit is amazing! The generosity of people to get out and help, and the financial support of so many people across our country. In particular we want to thank the many people who gave financial support last year. 

People impacted will take many years to recover, if ever. The floods were so devastating, but with the continued love and care of so many that is helping rebuild lives, offers them a real sense of hope.

Fr Kevin Corrigan, Parish Priest  

Fr Kevin’s Parish has helped facilitate community support following the generous donations of the Bishop’s Flood Appeal. He has seen both practical and prayerful assistance help those in need. 

Our community gathered in prayer last year. It was a very large gathering of many faiths in our community, and it was decided that we would gather for another such evening of prayer this Pentecost.  

Our focus is about gathering together as God’s family in prayer – those who were flood affected but for all. 

As seems to be the case in more rural communities, the people in our area are somewhat stoic, and are “getting on with things” alongside an exceptional culture of people continuing to help each other out in all kinds of ways! 

Anecdotally, I am aware of families in the parish where floodwater damage to their home resulted in mould taking a good hold in the walls of their home and consequently receiving insurance approval of expenditure for significant repairs. But, between finding available tradespeople and the process, they lived in about six rentals over the last 12 months and still have not returned home. 

And now, I have heard that because of the present drought conditions some dairy farmers who had been severely affected by the floods are now experiencing new financial pressures. 

Meg Norling, CatholicCare Community Kitchen Volunteer Coordinator

Meg watched the CatholicCare office flood as she and an army of volunteers continued to feed those in need. 

We still have diners who have been through the past two major floods and fire, many people cannot find stable housing and are not able to find work after some local businesses closed for good after the last floods. 

Add to this circumstance, the general cost of living and we are seeing a lot of new faces and families accessing our services.