Gerringong’s Greg Ball, a volunteer firefighter of 35 years, continued his lengthy history of helping those in need by helping the flood-ravaged NSW Mid North Coast recently.

Greg joined crews from all over NSW and beyond in the extensive recovery operation led by the State Emergency Service.

The historical floods decimated several Mid North Coast townships and five people died as the result of the devastating natural disaster.

“It’s shattering… it’s just mind boggling,” Ball said.

“Even driving up there, the mess, the fences, the debris.”

Gerringong Rural Fire Brigade was a part of an 836-strong service partner personnel from NSW and across the country, which contributed to the rescue efforts in the towns across the Mid North Coast.

Up to 800mm fell within parts of the region in May.

“That was just terrible. If it comes up gradually over two weeks, there is no force (with the floods) and people can prepare a bit better,” Ball said.

“A couple of old ladies against the Macleay River just wanted their pathways cleared so they could get to the clothesline. Little things, but important things.

“It’s depressing, but you know you got to help each other … we gave a couple of upset ones a cuddle and then you get a group hug. Little things for morale.”.

To remain as close to the affected areas, a basketball court was turned into makeshift accommodation for volunteers which resembled a base camp with rows of stretches for their beds.

Ball praised the SES leadership which helped direct the rescue efforts.

“It is not just about us boots on the ground, it’s the whole system right from the top down to the individual districts. It was really well done,” Ball said.

“It’s great working together and we all get on and they do their jobs, have a bit of a yarn here and there, the food was great.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said in a statement: “We’ve seen thousands of people come together in support of one another with many more putting their hand up to join our volunteer ranks.”

Also representing Gerringong Rural Fire Brigade was fellow volunteer firefighter Sandra Lightfoot. It was her first deployment to a rescue appointment.

“My mum has been up there for 30 years, so to me it was really important, and I really wanted to assist because it is like my second home,” Lightfoot said.

“They needed heavy vehicle license drivers to go up north and I hold that license.”

NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing thanked the SES volunteers “and our emergency service colleagues from across Australia and New Zealand for their dedication and commitment during this crisis”.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority has now taken over from the NSW State Emergency Services and will now assume responsibility for managing clean-up and repair efforts in the impacted communities as part of the recovery process.