"The people of our town, we are mighty, we are brave,
We got up and looked around for the ones we had to save.
We're not going to give up, even on the hardest days,
Together, we will help each other stay."
Sung by the children of Eugowra, these words first brought tears, then a standing ovation at a special Royal Humane Society of NSW Bravery Awards ceremony.
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On The Hardest Days was written by students of St Joseph’s Catholic School in collaboration with regional musician Nerida Cuddy, following the devastating flood of November 14, 2022.
The song’s verses recount the day the floodwaters hit—a sudden, powerful wall of water that tore through the town. 159 people were airlifted to safety, while many more were rescued from fast-moving waters by boat and vehicle.
St Joseph’s, like many homes and buildings, was destroyed. In the aftermath, the children continued their learning in portable buildings while their school was rebuilt.
The song also tells of the immense outpouring of love and support from across the country, as people came together to help Eugowra rebuild.
Writing the song with Mrs Cuddy, along with art therapy and storytelling, has been an important part of the recovery process for the children.
Their artwork, along with the full song, can be seen on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2dOcwfnqT0
