The power of community

We have watched this creeping wall of water engulf our neighbours in Rochester, Shepparton, Mooroopna and surrounds.

The Campaspe River has already rampaged through parts of our town, destroying homes.

We take a breath as our hearts break for our family and friends in these areas.

We want to help, and will as soon as we can.

But, we know it’s coming our way. All we can do is anxiously wait and remember to breathe.

But as the approaching peak takes it time to get here, the wait becomes excruciating.

The community comes together like only country communities can.

The effort from all to fill and place sandbags, help neighbours and friends, provide food and water to those who need it and just support each other has been phenomenal.

And it has all been done with a hefty dose of good humour and camaraderie.

We take a collective breath and reassure each other that we are facing this beast together.

SES and CFA crews from around the state arrive to help. The army is here.

The wait at least allows us to prepare.

A huge levee has been built.

Those on “the wrong side of the wall” take a shuddering breath, wipe the tears away and stand stoic in the face of impending destruction.

Our hearts break for them. We wrap our arms around them and thank them all. Their sacrifice will never be repaid.

The schools close.

Parents take a deep breath.

They plaster on a smile and succumb to the prospect of a surprise couple of weeks with the kids stuck at home. Hopefully that’s the worst they have to face.

Shops, cafes, pubs, clubs and businesses shut and are sandbagged.

Owners take an anxious breath.

They wait to see what will happen to their livelihoods. They weren’t expecting to be facing this same situation so soon after COVID. Too soon.

As we wait on any update, the BoM comes through with a lengthy press release.

It doesn’t want to be the BoM anymore.

We take a breath, sigh, have a giggle at the absurd timing of this request, because what else can you do.

As the rain starts to fall, we hope they are back concentrating on the weather.

The TV reporters are here. The big guns come from Melbourne. Some have been and gone again.

We take a breath and smile with pride when they talk of our community spirit. Even though we knew about it anyway.

Local journalists work round the clock to provide the latest information, while at the same time worrying about their own homes.

As the expected arrival of the peak gets pushed back again, we take a breath and wait.

The never-ending wait seems to have gone on longer than Liz Truss’s leadership.

At least our mates over the other side of the world are providing some comic relief during these times.

As we wait and try to breathe, we learn more and more stories of everyday people doing amazing things in a time of crisis.

We are proud to be part of such a strong community.

As the rivers keep rising, the rain begins to fall and the wait drags on, we stand tall, puff our chests out and face this thing head-on.

Now we hold our breath.

Good luck Echuca-Moama. We’ll get through this together.