Formidable in recovery

Published on 05 June 2025

This coming week is one of transition as we move from the emergency of responding to the flood situation into the recovery phase, as led by NSW Reconstruction Authority.

Council has also experienced change this week as we welcomed new CEO Andrew Meddle. I spent time over the weekend with Andrew, touring the Shire and drawing the attention of more government ministers to our major funding needs post flood. There is a huge task ahead in keeping Kempsey’s needs top of mind for the other levels of government. 

While Andrew has landed in our Shire during this difficult disaster event, he has also had the opportunity to see the best of our community coming together. I look forward to Andrew leading the operations of Council. I’m sure he will use his significant experience in government, private and charity sectors to harness the enormous care, compassion and dedication of the staff to deliver for our community. 

I’ve focussed a lot of my time after the flood event visiting and meeting with affected businesses, primary producers and residents. We have had the NSW Premier and multiple state and federal ministers here and I am grateful for everyone who took time from their clean-up to chat, to share their heartbreak and to appeal for help.

I'm extremely pleased to see Category C funding announced under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). This will make funding available to assist our families, small businesses and primary producers who have experienced the worst of this disaster. 

Recovery isn't quick, or easy. But as a community we always come together when times are tough. I urge you to help a neighbour, buy local and take care of one another. While helping hands come from near and far to support us, we have the bones of a strong path forward, and a community that walk together.