Creating Connection in Cowra

One of the most vital elements in any recovery after a traumatic event such as flood is feeling connected to the outside world.

This is particularly the case for farmers who often find themselves with so much to do on the farm, it’s hard to get away to access the help and information that is available.

Cowra cattle farmers, Martina and Phil Lindsay, suffered heavy losses in the 2022 flood events, and it was the constant support from the state-wide Rural Recovery Support Service (RRSS) in the following weeks and months that helped them back on the road to recovery.

From her base on the NSW Mid-North Coast, recovery officer, Tia McIntyre, was able to be that voice on the end of the phone for the Lindsays in the early stages of their recovery.

She was, in Martina Lindsay’s own words “a light in a dark tunnel.”

“It’s difficult to ask for help when you have always got by, yet your presence and understanding had a huge impact and will always be remembered,” she wrote in a note of thanks.

Tia learned the Lindsay’s cattle property had experienced extensive flooding resulting in, fence and road washouts, cattle losses, dam blowouts, and that an electricity box had been dislodged from its support structure and was laying live in a sodden paddock.

What was needed was immediate support, Tia was able to get in touch with the electricity supplier and have the power reinstated safely.

She then connected the Lindsays with Local Land Services, Need for Feed, the Rural Assistance Authority and Rural Financial Counselling Service.

As Martina’s focus was then on securing the farm from further flood inundation and recovering roaming cattle, Tia was able to work remotely with Martina to help submit her grant applications to the Rural Assistance Authority.

When the Western team of the Rural Recovery Support Service was stood up some months later, the Lindsays were transferred to new recovery officer, Jane Atkinson, so that they could access more localised assistance.

Through constant communication and assistance, the Lindsays were able to stay focussed on the clean-up and rely on the RRSS to provide support.