AU – Dungog Residents Enjoy Community Meal

April 2015 saw unprecedented wild weather and devastating storms hit NSW especially the Hunter Region. The SES received a total of 9895 incident calls, schools closed across the region as power went out and conditions became too dangerous for travel. Days of rainfall, and strong winds left the township of Dungog battered and bruised with the media referring to it as a ”war zone”. Four houses were washed away as the Myall Creek burst its banks, properties and businesses were damaged and innocent lives lost.

The Singleton Rapid Relief Team, based 60 minutes away, wanted to give back to the Dungog community that had lost so much to the storm. On the 20th of June 2015, 32 members of the team travelled the roads, still flood damaged, to the town of Dungog.

Working closely with the Dungog Community Support group, the RRT prepared a warm hearty meal at Dungog public school. Though the sky was grey and overcast, more than 200 residents turned out to enjoy music, chicken burgers and brownies.

It was sobering to hear the resident’s stories of the damage caused by the storm but the community was warmed and encouraged by the bright and cheery atmosphere of the lunch. The residents expressed their thankfulness through various comments; “Excellent hospitality and organization skills. It was so lovely to be asked to this ‘thank you’ lunch. The staff and volunteers were superb. Great job. You can’t top excellence; it’s simply not possible!”

The multi-agency clean-up of the Myall Creek is set to cost around $500,000 and commenced at the end of June. It is expected to take up to the end of September to complete. Prime Minister Tony Abbott visited Dungog on Wednesday July 1st and viewed the sites of the four houses that were washed away.