A powerful show of community strength has unfolded in Taree as an estimated 3,000 people gathered for the Community Flood Rally to demand urgent Category D disaster funding from the NSW Government.
Supported by Nationals Member for Myall Lakes, Tanya Thompson, the rally brought together flood-affected residents, farmers and business owners, who shared a clear message: "We need serious help, and we need it now."
Held on the banks of the Manning River at the Manning River Rowing Club, the rally featured a line-up of local voices. Speakers included dairy farmer Jane Polson, beef farmer Mark Bourke, agronomist Josh Hack, oyster farmer Ian Crisp, real estate agent Dan Shultz, insurance broker Matthew Fawcett, and Dr Simon Holliday.
Each shared first-hand accounts of the devastating and ongoing impact the recent floods have had on their industries, livelihoods, and communities across the Mid-North Coast.
"The floods have passed, but the pain they left behind hasn't," said Mrs Thompson.
"This community is doing everything it can, but without Category D support, recovery will be painfully slow, if not impossible."
Mrs Thompson said the rally was not about politics, but about people.
"Resilience is not a recovery plan; the NSW Government must step up and deliver."
Mrs Thompson thanked everyone who attended and will take the community's message directly to NSW Parliament.
