The Centre for Volunteering has honoured the incredible work of Eugowra's flood recovery committee as Central West Volunteer Team of the Year.
Eugowra locals have been stepping up to help one another since the earliest moments of the flood disaster of November 14, 2022 and at an awards ceremony in Orange last week, the continuing work of this group was in the spotlight.
The foundations were laid in the immediate aftermath of the flood, when those who were able quickly became the connection point between neighbours and friends who had lost everything to those who could help.
Their work formalised as the Eugowra flood recovery committee, under the Eugowra Promotion and Progress Association, when it became clear there was going to be an ongoing need for people within the community to speak for it.
Nearly two years on, committee members are Sean Haynes, Liz Mitchell, Kim Storey, Dave Herbert, Janet Moxey, Ash Wright and Tim Wright.
Their roles are many and varied, and continue to change, Mrs Moxey reflected after the presentation.
"We see the need and we just go with it and help where we can," she said, adding it was almost a privilege to be in a position and have the time to help.
Through the heartwarming arrival of thousands of volunteers to the heartache of insurance delays, just a few of the tasks the committee has taken on include connecting people to assistance, identifying what's still needed, managing funds donated through GIVIT and coordinating the clean up of community areas.
Its role has evolved as more people moved from caravans to pods, restored and rebuilt their homes.
Advocating for the resources and support to get people home has been a major part of their work, being Eugowra's voice to every level of government and organisation that could help.
Accepting the award wasn't about recognition for committee members, Mrs Moxey said, it was about making the world aware that Eugowra is still rebuilding and still needs our support.
More than $900,000 has been distributed through GIVIT but the need is ongoing.
These funds have been critical in giving people the dignity to choose and purchase new items for their homes for themselves.
"We still have quite a number of people in pods and they'll need assistance down the track," Mrs Moxey said.
The region's generosity has also been seen in support for Eugowra's shops and events like the show, Woodfired, Most Wanted murals weekend - all volunteer driven.
Eugowra harness racing's Canola Cup returns on the October long weekend with lots of free family fun for everyone.
"It's quite an amazing community and the support (from neighbouring communities) has been remarkable," Mrs Moxey said.
In presenting the central west awards, the Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said they recognised the exception effort of volunteers across the region.
“Whether it’s in the local sports club, in health care, education and cultural centres, legal support or emergency response, volunteers are essential for the ongoing health and viability of local communities," she said.
The Awards are supported by Principal Partners the NSW Department of Communities and Justice and ClubsNSW.
The NSW Minister with responsibility for Volunteering, Jodie Harrison congratulated all the recipients.
“Thank you for the incredible contributions you make to NSW and your local community," she said.
Central West award recipients will be invited to represent their region at the Gala State Ceremony in Sydney at the end of the year, where the NSW Volunteer of the Year will be announced across each category.