Businesses in the Broke Fordwich region are re-opening this weekend following last week's devastating flood and are joining residents in appealing for help.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Locals say the flooding that occurred on July 6 was "the worst in the 198-year history of the village". Many families in Broke and Bulga have lost their homes and belongings.
"The economic loss from this event is devastating for the Broke Fordwich region and its surrounding towns given the major challenges the region has faced over the last few years," Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association's Jennie Curran said.
The township of Broke is accessible only to residents however all Broke Fordwich region restaurants and cellar doors are expected to be accessible by the weekend. Business owners are urging people to show their support and visit the region both this weekend and in the coming weeks.
Winemaker and businessman Andrew Margan, who with wife Lisa runs Margan Estate, says his property has been "severely impacted" by flood waters.
"The community of Broke, government bodies, and all of the people who have been on the ground helping to try and put our wonderful community back together again can only do so much," Mr Margan said.
"We urge people to come and visit the cellar doors and restaurants, buy wines online or in retail outlets.
"We are also asking for donations via our community Go Fund Me page, with 100 per cent of funds going directly to those left without homes and with insurance policies that don't cover flood damage."
You can also pledge donations of money, goods and services online through givit.org.au, which allows you to purchase vouchers for residents so that they can access basic necessities.
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?
- Donate physical items, money, time and services through Givit.org.au
- Make donations to the Broke Region Flood Relief Go Fund Me page
- Share the appeal with friends, family and community #goforbrokewines
- Buy wine and other products from the Broke Fordwich region, dine there, or book accommodation
IN THE NEWS:
- Hunter floods: Gillieston Heights community cut-off by floodwater feels 'forgotten' in disaster recovery efforts
- Mojo Power tries to pull plug on contract with Hunter councils after electricity market volatility
- Swansea Channel still waiting for promised dredge a year after state government's funding pledge
- Australian Census 2021: Hunter mortgage, rental stress multiplying fast as wage growth fails to keep up with housing costs
- Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark: newcastleherald.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News