A group of 30 church members from the South New South Wales Conference (SNSW) traveled to Australia's Mid North Coast on May 27, 2025, to assist with flood recovery efforts following days of intense rainfall.
The Adventist Community Services (ACS) teams, comprising volunteers from Bowral, Canberra, Charnwood, Parkes, Orange, Albury, Dubbo, and other SNSW locations, were divided into three groups to support operations in Kempsey, Port Macquarie, and Taree, some of the areas hardest hit by flooding.
SNSW ACS Director Kyle Morrison, who is also serving as interim ACS director for the North New South Wales Conference, said the initiative responded to requests from pastors in the flood-affected regions. As local “mud army” volunteers began returning to work, the need for additional support became increasingly urgent.
“Many of the local volunteers are starting to return to work, so we’re here to support the churches in keeping the clean-up going,” Morrison said.
The group traveled in a six-vehicle convoy, delivering donated supplies including shovels, pressure washers, food, water, and baby items.
According to the State Emergency Service (SES), floodwaters have begun to recede in parts of New South Wales, especially in the Mid North Coast and Hunter regions. However, many communities remain isolated, and clean-up efforts are still in the early stages.
Local Adventist churches in Kempsey and Taree have been involved in the response since the early days of the emergency, preparing food hampers, distributing supplies, and coordinating volunteer teams. The Kempsey church has also established a central command system to manage requests and deploy volunteers.
“Some towns are only now becoming accessible, so the need is ongoing,” Morrison said. “Kempsey, Fredericton, and Wingham have all seen significant impact. Wingham was completely cut off until Sunday night.”
More than 200 emergency food hampers from Foodbank are being distributed by ACS across the region. 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 products for delivery to Adventist churches in Taree, Wauchope, and Kempsey.
Photo: Adventist Record
Photo: Adventist Record
The SNSW ACS team is expected to remain in the region until at least May 29, with some volunteers extending their stay until May 30. Team members are being hosted 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 Morrison. “The Adventist Church should be known as a community that loves, cares, and shows up when it matters most.”
The original article was published on the South Pacific Division news site, Adventist Record. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.
