2025 Flooding Disaster and the Impact on TUC
TUC CEO Donna Ballard pausing to survey the damage wreaked on the river bank, views that would normally be the highlight of our Campus space.
On May 21, 2025, the MidCoast region of New South Wales experienced a catastrophic flood event that left another indelible mark on our community. Much sooner that any of our residents would have wished for, our community found itself once again finding its feet in the wake of tragedy.
The flood, described as a "one-in-500-year event," brought record-breaking rainfall, with some areas receiving up to 500 millimeters in just three days. This deluge led to widespread inundation, with thousands of homes and businesses submerged, and critical infrastructure severely compromised. Taree Universities Campus (TUC), a vital hub for higher education and community support, was among the many facilities affected, forcing an abrupt closure and initiating an extensive recovery process.
The immediate response to the flood was swift and coordinated, with first responders, volunteers, and community members working tirelessly to ensure the safety of those affected. Evacuations were carried out, and emergency shelters were established to accommodate those displaced by the rising waters. The community's resilience was evident as neighbors helped neighbors, and local businesses offered support wherever possible.
As the waters receded, the true extent of the damage became apparent. Homes and businesses were left in ruins, with personal belongings and sentimental items destroyed or contaminated. The psychological toll on the community was significant, with many residents experiencing trauma, loss, and uncertainty about their future. Students at TUC, who rely on the campus for support and resources, faced additional challenges as they struggled to continue their studies amidst the chaos.
Damage to the Campus
Located at 2 Pulteney Street, the Campus was directly in the path of the devastating floodwaters, which submerged the lower levels of the building for an extended period, estimated to be between 24 to 36 hours.
This prolonged exposure to water caused extensive damage to the infrastructure, including the destruction of flooring, gyprock, and other internal structures. The floodwaters also brought in silt and mud, contaminating the space and requiring a thorough decontamination process. The campus's elevator was rendered inoperable, temporarily limiting access for students and staff.
Despite these challenges, the TUC community rallied together, with volunteers and staff working tirelessly to clear debris, restore essential services, and ensure that students could continue their studies in a temporary study space on Level 2. The resilience shown by the TUC team and the support from the broader community have been instrumental in the campus's recovery efforts, demonstrating the strength and determination of the MidCoast community in the face of adversity.
Taree Universities Campus remains committed to supporting its students and the broader community during this difficult time. We are working diligently to restore our facilities and ensure that students have access to the resources they need to continue their educational journey. Our goal is to not only rebuild but to emerge stronger and more resilient, ready to face whatever challenges the future may bring.
Together, we will overcome the hardships posed by this flood and continue to build a vibrant, supportive community that values education, growth, and mutual support.
Get updates on the TUC Recovery Plan
We are dedicated to keeping our Students and wider Mid Coast Community informed on our progress as we work towards normal operations. You can view updates, timeline of events, photos and more on our May 2025 Flood Disaster page:
Additional links for further context on the flooding disaster: