Mangrove Mountain, New South Wales

April 2026

In April 2026, Rural Aid volunteers travelled to Mangrove Mountain on the New South Wales Central Coast hinterland to support farming families recovering from years of repeated flooding, storms and severe weather impacts. Known for its citrus orchards, mixed vegetable production and beekeeping industry, the region has faced ongoing recovery challenges since the devastating 2021–2022 floods, followed by further storm damage through 2023 and 2024 and another East Coast Low event in May 2025. Across the community, repeated flooding, erosion, infrastructure damage and prolonged wet conditions placed enormous pressure on local farming operations, slowing recovery efforts and creating ongoing financial and emotional strain for farming families.

During the Farm Recovery Event, 32 volunteers worked alongside five local farming families to help ease some of the pressure created by the long recovery journey still underway across the region. Volunteers assisted with practical farm jobs including fencing repairs, property clean-up and restoring damaged areas impacted by years of severe weather. Beyond the physical support, the event brought encouragement, connection and a reminder that rural communities are strongest when people come together to support one another through difficult seasons and recovery efforts.