Sometimes we struggle to find practical ways to help our neighbours in times of natural disasters, commonly floods and bush fires. Several volunteer organisations, including Anglicare, assist the state government in Evacuation Centres and Recovery Centres. Over 60 Anglican volunteers, drawn from across the state, assisted approximately 1,600 flood-affected people, during May to June 2025, in the Taree, Port Macquarie, Kempsey, Wauchope, Maitland and Macksville Recovery Centres. Rod and Robyn Johnston were part of this team, volunteering in the Port Macquarie and Taree Recovery Centres. Robyn says, “Many people who had been referred to the Samaritan/Anglicare desks were grateful for what they were offered, but were reluctant to take too much [material aid] because they felt that there were others who were in more need than them.” Robyn also mentioned one young woman who was due to have a baby in a month’s time. Her house was condemned and she had lost all the contents. “We assisted her to apply for a donation of a washing machine and a drier for her temporary accommodation”. Rod’s role included liaising with other local voluntary organisations who were collecting and distributing household goods. He says, “It was inspiring to witness the generosity of these people, all wanting to assist their neighbours.” The ability to continue with this work depends on the willingness of ordinary people to volunteer their time, undertake training, and be ready to participate when emergencies and disasters arise. For further information, please contact https://www.anglicare.org.au/disaster-recovery/#enquiry
