Supporting regional communities affected by flooding

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The lasting impact of floods on rural communities

Extreme weather events, such as floods and bushfires, have caused severe damage and hardship on communities across Australia in recent years.

Disasters like this are a reminder of the fragility of life and the powerful effect of standing together in times of need. As we’ve witnessed, particularly during a crisis – homelessness can take on many forms. 

During recent floods and bushfires, many of us saw homelessness up close. You may know someone who lost their home or experienced hardship yourself. 

People can experience homelessness in different ways; sleeping rough, in cars, emergency shelters, crowding with relatives or living with complete strangers.

Donna's Story: Homeless and helpless

After a crisis, many hope to be able to return to their homes unscathed. Sadly, for people like 61-year-old Donna, the floods triggered a chain of events that eventually led to homelessness.

When Donna was told it was safe to return to her home after the devastating floods in Lismore, New South Wales, Donna had no idea what would be left.

Driving down roads that were no longer familiar after the flood damage, Donna arrived at the address where her home would have been. But instead of her home, she only saw rubble, fragments of walls and bits of belongings scattered.

Like her neighours, she had lost everything.

For five months, she searched in vain for temporary housing. There was simply not enough emergency accommodation for the number of displaced people in Lismore.

Thankfully after months of searching Donna was connected to our team in Coffs Harbour, who helped her find emergency accommodation. Donna was thrilled that a month later she was offered a permanent home.

Supporting flood affected communities in regional NSW

Walgett holds two Aboriginal reserves - Gingie and Namoi – and both communities became completely isolated by the floods.

Fortunately, the Gingie community were able to remain on their reserve despite it effectively becoming an island, surrounded by water. All incoming roads were completely flooded and the only transport in and out was by boat.

The Namoi community, on the other hand, were all evacuated as the sewerage pipes were damaged, resulting in dirty, contaminated water surrounding the entire reserve. One family experienced water as high as 1.5 metres throughout their entire property, losing everything they owned.

Fortunately, the Gingie community were able to remain on their reserve despite it effectively becoming an island, surrounded by water. All incoming roads were completely flooded and the only transport in and out was by boat. 

The Namoi community, on the other hand, were all evacuated as the sewerage pipes were damaged, resulting in dirty, contaminated water surrounding the entire reserve. One family experienced water as high as 1.5 metres throughout their entire property, losing everything they owned.

Houses within the main Walgett town became severely over-crowded as family members assisted those displaced from reserve communities, leading to a large increase in living costs for many households.



While Mission Australia is not a disaster relief organisation, we do provide vital community services across Australia and support people and families experiencing disadvantage and homelessness.

When the floods arrived in Walgett, we became heavily involved in the immediate response. Our staff:

• Provided food hampers to both Aboriginal reserves thanks to incredibly helpful SES workers and local staff members who knew the community well; 
• Helped people stuck in Walgett who couldn't return to their own communities;
• Supported locals who were out of town when the flooding arrived that couldn't get home; 
• Provided blankets and pillows to those who needed it;
• Liaised with SES to transport people by boat across the flood waters; and
• Helped others access flights coming in and out of Walgett

And once the flooding eventually eased, our staff also helped those in the reserve communities with flood disaster application forms.

Sunshine and support after the rain 

Long after the flood waters subside, it will take an extended period of time and community-wide support to recover what has been lost. As an organisation focused on ending homelessness and strengthening communities, we know there is and will be much work to do to ensure that people are safely and appropriately housed and have the community support they need.

We are continuing to advocate for long-term investment in social and affordable housing so that everyone can have a safe and secure home. We are also a member of peak organisations and sector campaigns that are advocating to government for specific measures to address the homelessness and housing insecurity caused by the floods. This includes support for emergency housing, emergency rental assistance and recovery grants in the short-medium term, with a continued long-term focus on increasing social and affordable housing infrastructure to a level that meets demand.

We will continue to support those most in need, including in response to disasters like the floods across New South Wales.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with everyone in the local community that was and still is affected by the floods, including those who worked tirelessly to save lives, livelihoods and communities.

You can help others affected by homelessness. Donate now.