May 2025 Flood Disaster

Katrina Roohan arrived at the campus to prepare for the impending floods. She lifted as many items as possible above water level to minimise damage.

TUC Team Member Jaimi Case evacuated the campus, leaving a clear note indicating that it had been closed.

Many areas of Taree were already inaccessible due to rising waters and road closures, making it challenging to assess the full extent of the preparations needed.

The flood hit Taree, the event was described as a "one-in-500-year flood," causing widespread devastation. Most areas of Taree became cut off, isolating residents and making it difficult for emergency services to reach those in need.

The situation remained critical as most areas of Taree stayed cut off. Residents and emergency services worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of those affected, but the extent of the damage was becoming increasingly apparent.

First responders, including Adam Birkefeld and Jen Fletcher from MidCoast Council, Graham Pittman from NSW Health, and Matt Fawcett from Insure More @, were among the few who could access the Campus. They assessed the damage and began planning for the coordination of relief efforts.

24/7 Locksmiths quickly secured the campus, ensuring that it was safe from further damage and restricting access.

The Taree West Cricket Club played a crucial role in the initial cleanup, helping to lift heavy items off the floor and out of the way.

Local Pest Experts pressure washed the front area of the campus, contributing to the efforts to clear the way for debris to be brought out for removal.

Sincere thanks to the volunteers and Campus team members, including Kirsty Maher, Matt Fawcett, Michael Roohan, Gemma Death (and her son Will), Janine Roberts, and Nirmal Joy, who provided much-needed support during the course of the cleanup.

JR Richards & Sons began the extensive process of removing all the debris from the site, a task that would continue throughout the following week.

Nathan Currie Plastering started removing damaged gyprock, and Choices Flooring pulled up and removed all the flooring - our thanks to both of these businesses for their support.

Food supplies were provided by TUC Team Member Anique Morris, ensuring that the cleanup crew had the energy to continue their work.

A coffee van from Tuncurry offered free coffee to the cleanup team, providing a much-needed boost of energy and morale.

We would love to thank this business specifically, so if you are aware of who was operating the van on this date please get in touch.

The carpark was flushed out to remove any remaining floodwater and debris.

Additional food supplies were provided by Dundaloo, which were warmly welcomed and thoroughly appreciated by our hungry volunteers!

Thanks also to our TUC Graphic Designer Linden Rudge for not only supporting the clean up but documenting the process. Thanks to our Marketing Manager Meredith Paige for assisting the clean up.

Ongoing praise to the TUC Team members that appeared almost daily throughout the week - Donna Ballard, Evan Weller, Gemma Death, Angie Fernance, Janine Roberts, Jaimi Case, Anique Morris, Board Members and the husbands, wives, partners and children who lent willing hands to the task.

Special acknowledgement also to Rubylea Maxworthy, who was a daily presence at the Campus despite being among the most impacted by the flooding event.

Old Mates Diggers played a vital role in clearing final excess mud from the carpark, ensuring that the area was safe and accessible for further cleanup and recovery work.

Actions:

• Stowe performed ‘make safe’ procedures for the entire building, allowing for ongoing access and recovery.

• The decontamination process for Level 1 began and continued into July, as the building had been submerged for 24-36 hours.

• Regular meetings, facilitated by Evan Weller, were held daily at first and then moved to weekly.

• These meetings coordinated with MidCoast Council and HNE Health to appoint contractors for the recovery phase.

Volunteers and Support:

• Alison McIntosh (TUC Board), John Caldon, Matt Fawcett  (Insure More @), and Dan Shultz (Shultz Commercial) volunteered to work with TUC, Mark Brockbank, and the local HNE Health team.

• Hamish Taylor from MidCoast Council was involved from the beginning and became a key advisor, ensuring that recovery progressed as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Cleanup and Restoration:

• TUC Team continued to clear out the Campus space, assisted by many students, including Dane Potter, who restored the internet connection.

• River City Communications reinstated CCTV

• Toby De Stefano helped remove the remaining plaster.

• Richard Cross from AW Edwards supported on-site logistics between TUC and HNE Health teams.

Visitors and Support:

• Several notable visitors offered support including:

  • Tanya Thompson MP

  • Alison Penfold MP

  • Opposition Leader Susan Ley

  • Rod Barnaby, Regional Director for BusinessNSW

  • Jill Follington from AusIndustry

  • Madeleine Lawler, CEO and Director of Regional Development Mid North Coast

  • The Hon. Scott Barrett MLC for NSW Nationals

  • GIVIT CEO Chris Staines with GIVIT NSW State Manager Sally Perry

Generous Donations & Recovery Support:

• Ange Bevan & Kurri Kurri Community Services connected us with donors for furniture & whitegoods (from Hunter Water) and refurbished laptops (from New Era Technology)

• RSF provided transport & moving assistance for collection of goods (above)

• Clare Brennan connected us with:

  • Department of Planning, Housing & Infrastructure for furniture

  • FF&3 and King & Wood Mallesons for furniture & carpet

• The Resolution Network team generously provided:

  • Staff wellbeing support

  • Connected us with Omnicare for donations of furniture & whitegoods

Details to be added as works progress.