ABOVE: A boat headed for Box Ridge with a load of supplies donated by the Koori Mail and the community. Photo: Hayley Hancock
Susanna Freymark
Tinnies filled with supplies are heading into Coraki – a town that has been cut off for four days.
Residents have reported that the helicopters are overhead and as the water recedes residents can fully assess the damage to their homes.
Linda Barney-Dowdall’s home was flooded in Coraki. She said the NSW Fire crews, SES, and police were all working so hard to help.
Telstra services are back on and the water levels are dropping, Linda said.
“Folk here saying the flood is worse than 1974 as farmhouses have gone under for first time.”
The Coraki pub and Spar supermarket are open today and the post office reopens on Monday.
The Coraki Pharmacy has been supplying medications and have been flat out meeting demand. They are running short of fuel and medical supplies.
Current river levels
The Richmond River at Coraki is currently near 6.32 metres and falling slowly, with major flooding. The Richmond River at Coraki may fall below the major flood level of 5.70 metres tonight and into Saturday.
The Richmond River at Bungawalbin is currently near 6.03 metres and falling slowly.
The Richmond River at Woodburn is currently near 5.71 metres and falling slowly.
Help for indigenous communities
The Koori Mail launched an online fundraiser to help Aboriginal communities including Box Ridge in Coraki.
If anyone can assist with resources, food for evacuation centres or help indigenous owned businesses clean up, message 0499 991 625 or 0491 630 917.
Or donate to the Koori Mail crowdfunder here.
Important numbers
The emergency DPI number for assistance with livestock is 1800 814 647.
The SES is on 132 500.
Coraki Pharmacy on 6683 2037.
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