A group of 30 church members from the South New South Wales Conference (SNSW) travelled to the Mid North Coast this Monday to assist with flood recovery efforts.
The Adventist Community Service (ACS) teams, which include church members from Bowral, Canberra, Charnwood, Parkes, Orange, Albury, Dubbo and other locations across SNSW conference, were divided into three groups to support operations in Kempsey, Port Macquarie and Taree—three of the areas hardest hit by floods caused by intense rainfall last week.
SNSW ACS director Kyle Morrison—who is also serving as NNSW Conference ACS interim director—said the initiative came in response to calls for help from pastors in the flood-affected areas. As local clean-up teams began returning to work, the need for extra support grew urgent. He said ACS leaders across the SNSW Conference quickly mobilised in response.
“Many of the local ‘mud army’ volunteers are starting to return to work, so we’re here to support the churches in keeping the clean-up going,” said Mr Morrison, who is leading the group. The volunteers travelled in a six-vehicle convoy, bringing with them donated supplies including shovels, gurneys, nappies, food and water.
According to the latest updates from SES, floodwaters are gradually receding in many parts of New South Wales, particularly in the Mid North Coast and Hunter regions, but communities remain isolated and clean-up efforts are just beginning.
Mr Morrison said churches in Kempsey and Taree have been actively involved since the beginning of the emergency, preparing food hampers, providing supplies and leading clean-up teams in their communities. Kempsey church has also set up a central command system to manage job requests and coordinate volunteer deployment efficiently.
“Some towns are only now becoming accessible, so the need is ongoing,” said Mr Morrison. “Kempsey, Fredericton and Wingham have all seen significant impact. Wingham was completely cut off until Sunday night.”
More than 200 emergency Foodbank hampers are being distributed by ACS to these communities. Additional supplies will be delivered to Taree and Wingham as needed.
Sanitarium has also donated seven pallets of Weet-Bix, Up&Go and So Good which will be delivered to the Taree, Wouchope and Kempsey churches.
The SNSW team plans to remain in the region until at least Wednesday, with some volunteers staying on until Thursday. They are currently staying at the Taree and Kempsey church halls.
“If we can’t show up in the hard times, we don’t have the right to be there in the good times,” said Mr Morrison. “The Adventist Church should be known as a community that loves, cares and shows up when it matters most.”
