Although the entire bottom floor of her home has been engulfed in water, the sewage system of Pip’s home lies high enough not to be affected by floodwaters so she and her husband made the decision to stay put.

However Pip is very concerned about further damage as her home is already feeling the strain of the mammoth amounts of water it has had to endure.

“We are very worried as the threat of another flood is concerning, especially for those who still have water around their homes.”

While Pip and her husband Mark have had some loss and damage to their own home,  she says her main worry is for the local farmers.

“My concern lies with our local farmers.

“We live in the food bowl of Australia and crops have been wiped out, their livelihood has been wiped out. They’re going to need a lot of support.

“Forbes is a very resilient community but I think what everyone who is affected by the flood waters needs is support, especially when it comes time to clean up and assess the damage.”

Pip expressed her concerns for isolated farmers particularly due to their inability or unwillingness to leave their property.

“A natural disaster such as this does more than just cause physical damage. The mental health of those who have lost so much needs to be taken into consideration, especially when they are so isolated.”

Pip has called for funding to help flood affected residents not only to assist in replacing physical losses but also to help people get back on their feet mentally.

beyondblue has produced a resource for people who have experienced a natural disaster such as the current crisis in Forbes.

Their ‘Emotional responses after a disaster’ flyer is a quick guide to the normal or beyond normal reactions those affected by the floods may experience.

It can be downloaded from the beyondblue.org.au website.