Coming together after the floods: Rotary at work in the Manning

In response to the devastating May 2025 floods, the Rotary Club of Taree on Manning and its wider Rotary network have rallied with remarkable dedication to raise more than $464,000, deliver aid and lead hands-on recovery efforts to help rebuild their community.

In the wake of the May 2025 floods, the Rotary Club of Taree on Manning, NSW, along with other local Rotary clubs, has been actively involved in relief, clean-up and recovery efforts. The floods caused significant damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure, but the community’s resilience and willingness to help have been remarkable.
A total of $464,000 has been raised for relief efforts to date.

During the week following the floods, Rotary members were on-site from 6am, providing barbecue breakfasts for Essential Energy workers.

“These meals, which included bacon, sausage and egg rolls, were a small gesture of gratitude for those working tirelessly to restore power and services,” said Taree on Manning member Libby Johnson.

A special thanks goes to the Rotary Club of Taree members who helped make this possible.”

Clean-up efforts started immediately at the Waterfront Storage area, one of the most severely affected sites. Rotary members Terry, Richard and Libby, along with five SES volunteers and local youth Bailey Pocock, worked together to remove flood-damaged items. Though much was lost, their work marked an important step toward recovery. While thick mud still covers parts of the site and some items remain buried, progress continues.

The wider Rotary network has been an incredible source of support. The Rotary Club of Wahroonga, NSW, led by President Sallianne McClelland, has been a major supporter of the Flood Relief Appeal. Sallianne quickly launched a GoFundMe page, raising nearly $10,000 within days of the disaster. Additionally, Wahroonga launched the ‘Unite for Good – Unite for Taree’ project, preparing relief boxes for distribution in late August.

“We are grateful for their generosity and look forward to welcoming Sallianne and her team,” said Libby.

Support has also come from other clubs, including the Rotary Club of Sydney, NSW, which helped distribute $500 fuel cards to local farmers. In addition, more than 250 applications have been processed for $500 Disaster Relief Debit Cards, funded by District 9660. These cards are now reaching affected households.

We are proud to be part of a broader Rotary response that includes Wingham, Gloucester, Kempsey and Wauchope,” said Libby. “Special thanks to Phil Gorton and his team at District 9660 Aid for their assistance.”

Through Rotary networks, SmartAid, a non-profit humanitarian organisation, donated Karcher wet and dry vacuums and petrol-operated gurneys for flood clean-up efforts. While delayed in transit, these machines are now being delivered to affected sites, including the Taree University Campus.

The Rotary Club of Bendigo Sandhurst, Vic, also generously contributed $12,000 to the three Manning Valley clubs.

“Together, we’ve directed this donation toward the Royal Agricultural Society of Sydney’s fundraiser for Taree Showgrounds repairs,” Libby said. “With their dollar-for-dollar match, this will provide $24,000 to support the replacement of the electrical switchboard and other critical infrastructure.

Up to $20,000 of the funds received into our 2025 Flood Appeal – particularly from rural-situated Rotary clubs – has been designated for animal welfare. At this stage, we are negotiating the purchase and supply of hay to be delivered to our local dairy farmers.

“We would also like to thank the Rotary Clubs of Ballina-on-Richmond, Hunters Hill, Inverell East, Merriwa, Milton-Ulladulla, Northbridge, Rose Bay and the Inner Wheel Club of Belrose for their generous donations.

Though we’re not through it yet, we’re making a difference together. Thank you to all who have contributed their time, resources and hearts.”