Helping flood affected communities across the Mid North Coast get back on their feet is the number one priority for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
There are currently 220 ADF personnel based at the Macquarie Barracks in Taree as part of a large scale response known as Operation NSW Flood Assist.
They are officially known as Joint Taskforce Unit 629.1.2, led by Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Robert Tot.
Personnel from across Australia are part of the contingent and include the 5th Engineer Regiment, School of Infantry, the 41st, 2nd/17th and 4th/3rd Royal NSW Regiment, 5th and 8th Combat Service Support Battalions, 9th Regiment, Sydney University Regiment and 2nd Division HQ.
WATCH: Lieutenant Edward Pym explains the ADF involvement with Operation NSW Flood Assist
They work in direct support of the emergency services team based out of the emergency operations centre at Yalawanyi Ganya (MidCoast Council's administration centre at Taree South).
For some, it's not their first foray into natural disaster relief.
Many, who boast a range of trade skills, were deployed to bushfire recovery operations in 2019 and 2020.
Reservists have been on the ground since mid last week and have ably assisted Fire and Rescue NSW, State Emergency Service, Rural Fire Service, NSW Police and MidCoast Council in Taree, Wingham, Manning Point, Croki and other surrounding areas with flood relief tasks such as debris clearing, restoration of essential services, transport, logistics, engineering and plant equipment work.
FURTHER FLOOD COVERAGE:
It was Harrington's turn on Tuesday March 30 and the Times was there to capture the action alongside the 5th Engineer Regiment emergency support force.
The reservists travelled along Crowdy Street and Hogan Street, with some picking up debris with their hands while others took control of bobcats, excavators and trucks to transport heavy objects such as cupboards, drawers and couches from the footpath to awaiting skip bins.
They were more than happy to handle the heavy lifting, with some telling the Times they were proud to assist the community. Several yards along the streets are still impacted by flood water.
Reservists were welcomed by young Tristan Edwards-Rojas outside his Hogan Street home, which was inundated up to knee height by flood water.
As shown by these photos, many of the familys' belongings were damaged by the flood. Several motorists drove past to thank the reservists for their work.
Last Friday, the regiment was visited by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud, Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie and Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead at the Taree barracks.
Some of the politicians had earlier met other emergency forces based in the Port Macquarie-Hastings and Macleay regions.
Governor General David Hurley was also in town last weekend. He was briefed by emergency services personnel at the operations centre before visiting flood affected parts of Taree and Wingham with MidCoast Council mayor David West.
The reservists travelled along Crowdy Street and Hogan Street, with some picking up debris with their hands while others took control of bobcats, excavators and trucks to transport heavy objects such as cupboards, drawers and couches from the footpath to awaiting skip bins.
The ADF was called into action on March 23 by the NSW government following a request for assistance.
There are 755 ADF members still supporting Operation NSW Flood Assist.
Support for recovery operations increased drastically on March 26 as flood waters started to drop and the operation moved into the recovery and clean-up phase.
Aviation support began the following day, with Army helicopters taking to the sky over the Mid North Coast and Sydney basin. Naval Airbase HMAS Albatross is supporting ADF helicopters with aerial reconnaissance.
MRH-90 Taipan helicopters have used Taree Airport as a base to survey the area for debris and other flood related issues.
Personnel continue to assist the NSW SES with property damage assessments and clearing roads and key infrastructure of debris.
The ADF will now work with the NSW State Emergency Operations Centre to determine how it can support emergency services with further property damage assessments, road clearing and restoration of electricity and water.
Outreach visits
MidCoast Council has started a series of outreach visits to assist flood affected residents.
Council's flood recovery team visited Wingham Memorial Hall on Tuesday, Gloucester Council Chambers on Wednesday and Manning Point Bowling Club on Thursday. The team will return to each location on the corresponding days next week.
A dedicated recovery centre was opened on Monday at the former MidCoast Council chambers in Pulteney Street, Taree. The centre provides information and advice about programs available from governments, charities and local support services.
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