As flood waters devastated communities across the Mid North Coast, Hunter, and Central Coast regions, we were ready to respond. Our volunteers were on the ground delivering First Aid, medical care, and psychological support to the large amount of residents displaced by ongoing severe rainfall and flooding.

A massive thank you to those who were able to be deployed so rapidly, the amazing Incident Management team (IMT) and Communications centre who provided crucial support in the background during this complex and dynamic disaster. The presence of our medical and logistic capability was vital during some of the region’s toughest days. More than 646 hours of service were provided across seven locations, treating 92 patients and involving 8 hospital transports.

Together, we were able to help at Evacuation Centres in:

• Taree
• Wingham
• Tuncurry
• Kempsey
• Harrington
• Gillieston Heights
• The Entrance

Another key service for an anxious and traumatised community is having someone to speak to. Our volunteers brought their training in mental health first aid and ensured people felt safe and heard. As but one example, one of our volunteers played Uno with a person as a way to offer support and provide a space for the anxiety levels to recede. In Harrington, which was isolated by flood waters, our volunteers provided community outreach with primary health care coordinated by a St John NSW registered nurse, conducting door to door welfare checks at the direction of NSW Health.

We cannot begin to express our gratitude to every team member who devoted time to working tirelessly during these devastating floods. Your compassion, resilience, and dedication are truly inspiring, and we thank you for the invaluable support you continue to provide in times of crisis.