Support is flowing for the small western Victorian town of Skipton as the mop-up from the recent flood continues.
Water from Mount Emu Creek inundated 23 properties in the town of 600 people when it peaked at 5.7 metres last Friday.
Eight of the significantly impacted properties were homes, while five were operating businesses.
As soon as floodwaters began receding the community got started on the mammoth clean-up task.
Soaked sandbags were removed from properties with the help of State Emergency Service volunteers, as the Country Fire Authority pumped floodwater from the heart of town back into the creek.
Six days later, the town is preparing a renewed flood recovery effort with what's been dubbed a Super Saturday community clean-up by the Shire of Corangamite.
All hands on deck
Mayor Ruth Gstrein says the working bee is being supported by the Lions Club and Skipton Football Netball Club.
"People can roll up, register, and they'll be given an area to head out to," Cr Gstrein said.
Volunteers are encouraged to bring gloves, boots, and cleaning and fencing tools if possible.
Skipton Football Netball Club president Andrew Bodman said the organisation's clubhouse has been utilised as a relief hub for locals and authorities since the flood emergency started.
"It's a small community and the club is an important part of it," he said.
Mr Bodman says Saturday's clean-up will run from 8am to 5pm with a BBQ lunch to break up the day.
He says locals have "just got to get in" and clear properties of flood damage and debris.
"That's how it is in a small community, you do it yourself or nobody does," he said.
"We're all in it together."
Fundraising goal hits halfway mark
The Lions Club is also leading an online fundraising campaign for flood-impacted businesses and residents.
"We are beyond devastated for our community who need to rebuild their lives while we rebuild our town," the club said in an online post.
In just four days, a little over $5,000 has been donated — more than half of the goal of $10,000.
The club will establish a dedicated committee to organise how the funds are distributed among the community.
Looking beyond this Saturday's clean-up, Cr Gstrein encourages the broader community and tourists to visit Skipton to help revive its economy.
"These little towns rely on passing traffic as well as locals, so when you're going through, please stop, buy a coffee … drop into the supermarket," she said.
"Have a look; Skipton's only half an hour from Ballarat.
"I'd certainly encourage people to come back."
