By Wednesday afternoon, Michelle Bennett’s Croki home was mostly cleared of mud from the recent floods caused by the swollen Manning River. While remnants of mud lingered in the crevices, Bennett was grateful to have a “mud-free house.” She and her partner, Mario Agius, had returned from the temporary refuge of a neighbor’s home to discover their own flooded, every inch covered in sludge. With no insurance, they face a long, expensive journey to not just recover but to make their home more resilient against future floods. Rather than despair, Bennett maintained a positive outlook, recognizing the small joys in life amidst the chaos.
The floods drastically impacted the Croki community; many residents, like Bennett and Agius, struggled with rising insurance premiums due to previous flooding events. With no power and a working washing machine out of reach, Bennett shared how community support played a vital role in her recovery. Donations poured in, offering practical items like clothes and food, which helped alleviate the burden she faced. Her resilience shone through as she humorously described her attempts to find basic necessities amid the turmoil, highlighting the tight-knit community that rallied around each other during trying times.
Toby Uglow, another longtime resident, observed a heartbreaking trend as some of Croki’s residents began contemplating leaving behind their homes, driven primarily by soaring insurance costs. His own home remained undamaged this time; however, he empathized with those who had recently completed renovations after previous floods, only to be struck again. The emotional toll was palpable during communal gatherings around bonfires aimed at lifting spirits. Many locals were worried about the future of the village as they grappled with the decision to stay or move away.
While Croki residents continued to assess the damage, the broader Mid North Coast region remained under duress, with thousands isolated in affected communities. Recent estimates indicated that over 700 homes and 400 buildings were uninhabitable, and the floods had led to multiple fatalities. Efforts to facilitate resupply were ongoing, reflecting community resilience even in the face of adversity. The region’s recovery was further complicated by slow access due to damaged infrastructure. Such challenges reminded locals of earlier flood events and the necessity of effective disaster response planning.
Lessons from places like Lismore, which underwent a painful recovery after catastrophic floods in 2022, could inform future resilience strategies for the Mid North Coast. Experts emphasized the importance of collaboration among local authorities, universities, and the community. With preparations crucial to mitigating the impacts of future flooding, discussions around sustainable practices began to take shape, focusing on recovery and long-term flood resilience plans. The reality that flooding outcomes need coordinated planning meant that communities needed to adapt, rather than solely focusing on prevention, recognizing the escalating challenges posed by climate change.
As the clean-up continued, the personal toll on local farmers surfaced. Many faced unprecedented loss, with substantial damage to crops and livestock. The emotional burden carried by these agricultural families intertwined with economic concerns, making recovery even more daunting. MidCoast Mayor Claire Pontin called for immediate discussions on preventive measures, showing determination to protect the community. For Bennett, while many possessions were lost, it was the kindness of others and cherished memories that remained paramount. The resilience shown by individuals, she believed, shapes the community’s potential to rebuild and thrive despite challenges, revealing the deeper connections forged in the wake of crises.
