The widespread flooding across Australia’s eastern region was a tragedy that the nation and the world watched in anguish. Despite the challenges, the resilience and ‘let’s get on with it” attitude that regional communities are often well known for shone through, as community action started from day one.

Project Purpose

The flooding experienced in Australia’s New South Wales’ (NSW) Central West region was particularly disastrous. Even as the communities across the region pulled together to start the recovery effort, there was a dire need for outside help urgently.

Livestock fodder was destroyed, and the animals surviving the flood waters were at risk of starvation – a further blow to farmers who’d lost so much already.

The Newcrest Sustainability Foundation joined forces with Rural Aid and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) to deliver on-the-ground relief to local communities. A hand to help them get back on track.

Together in Recovery

A program base with several elements was established.

Debit cards with preloaded limits were provided to eligible primary producers to purchase fodder for their livestock and ensure their animals had access to clean drinking water. Any subsequent funds went toward employing a locally based mental health counsellor.

Newcrest team members from the Cadia mine have been volunteering in the nearby Eugowra community, lending their hands in the urgent clean-up stage. They were led by the community and helped clean up private residences, aged care facilities, and the local preschool.

Additional funds were allocated to the community’s non-profits, such as the Men’s Shed, the local Rotary branch, and the school P&C committees. These prominent, respected organisations are pillars of their community and will be there to support them well beyond the clean-up and recovery stages.

A funding page was also set-up to enable team members to donate to the recovery efforts. To drive the momentum for this, Newcrest Cadia, will match the funds raise – dollar-for-dollar – thanks to the mine’s Community Partnership Program.

Aaron Brannigan, General Manager for Newcrest’s Cadia mine, said:

“It has been inspiring to see the way our neighbouring communities, who are doing it incredibly tough, continue to show immense courage and resilience. While we know there’s still a long road to recovery, the Newcrest team hopes that this financial assistance and volunteering support will give these communities the support they need to start rebuilding.”