The largest and longest flood response operation on record from the New South Wales State Emergency Service (SES) has today come to a welcome end.
The SES began ramping up operations for a major flood response in western NSW 177 days ago.
Today, the last flood warning was removed after the Darling River dropped below the minor flooding level at Burtundy.
It was the longest flood operation since the organisation was established in 1962.
Acting Commissioner Damien Johnston said SES members had given more than two million hours of service throughout the flood response.
"I'm just inspired by the work they undertake," he said.
"They are special people who really turn up, they undertake the training, but they're there and really giving to support their local community.
"Sometimes they don't know these people, but in their darkest hour and time of need they're there to support their neighbour or their neighbour's neighbour."
Over six months, the SES responded to almost 27,000 requests for assistance from the public.
Seven people lost their lives throughout the disaster.
"It's a long road to recovery for some of these communities, and staying resilient," Mr Johnston said.
Difficulty continues for rural lives
Thousands of livestock, crops, pets, properties, and businesses were lost in the flooding.
The SES said 157 homes were destroyed and 2,816 were left uninhabitable.
Many of those were in Eugowra, a town of 700 in the state's central west, that was decimated by flash flooding in November.
Eighty per cent of homes and businesses there were damaged.
Acting Commissioner Johnston said uncertain weather conditions associated with the end of La Niña continued to pose a risk for the state.
He said the SES would use this reprieve to recruit and train volunteers.
"We're seeing more and more of these types of weather events so we've increased some of our fleet and we're recruiting more SES members," he said.
Other parts of the central west are currently battling a bushfire emergency and acting commissioner Johnstone said SES crews would assist also the RFS in fighting the blazes as needed.
Clean-up continues
While the floodwaters may have subsided, many farmers and rural businesses are continuing the clean up.
Angie Armstrong and her husband run Callubri Station and farmstay just outside of Nyngan.
She posted on social media this week a reminder that life is far from returning to normal.
"We are not the only ones still working hard to repair the damage after the floods," Ms Armstrong wrote.
"So many people have been asking me about bookings this year, but the scary reality is we are only just getting through the clean up.
"My heart goes out to those still cleaning up in the hard hit towns like beautiful Molong, Moree and so many others.
"Please 2023, no natural disasters or plagues. Just for a bit."
