Singleton, New South Wales

November 2023

In November 2023, Rural Aid volunteers travelled to Singleton in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales to support farming families recovering from repeated flooding and severe weather events that impacted the region during 2022 and 2023. Following months of persistent rainfall linked to consecutive La Niña weather patterns, the Hunter River and surrounding waterways experienced major flooding, inundating farmland, isolating communities and causing extensive damage to fencing, pastures and farm infrastructure. In July 2022, flood levels in Singleton exceeded previous flood events earlier that same year, placing enormous strain on local farming families already dealing with ongoing wet conditions and recovery challenges.

During the Farm Recovery Event, 28 volunteers worked alongside eight local farming families to help tackle the long clean-up and rebuilding effort left behind by the floods. Volunteers assisted with repairing fences, clearing debris and completing practical farm jobs that helped relieve pressure on families still recovering many months after the disaster. Beyond the physical support, the event brought encouragement, connection and a reminder that rural communities across Australia stand together to help one another through difficult seasons.