River Murray Recovery Stories

Mark grew up visiting the river and eventually moved with his family to the banks of the Murray for a relaxed country lifestyle.  He became part of a small, friendly community where people help each other, and boating is part of everyday life for locals and visitors alike. Mark’s kids thrived in a tiny school, and the family enjoyed close ties, with local traditions centred around the water a...

As a child, Adele visited the Pyatt river settlement with family friends, creating lasting memories of carefree days spent exploring the land and water, deeply connecting to the Murray River. In 2015, Adele and her family purchased the property, transforming it into their home. Embracing the rural lifestyle, she balanced work as a baker with life on the riverbank. Adele and her partner Justin join...

Stephanie grew up in Dublin, Ireland, where she explored her interest in consumer behaviour and marketing. She studied wine and its emotional connections, learning the importance of storytelling in people’s lives. She moved to the Riverland in 2012 and fell in love with the region especially the River Murray. She is married to a local wine maker with two beautiful children and one on the way.&nbsp...

Graham arrived to live on the Murray in 2010 after a life as a multi-generation landowner and farmer elsewhere in the region. He describes rural self-reliance, and both the strengths and challenges of small-town community dynamics during crises. His first-hand experiences with flood preparation, with the help of his family, what worked, what didn’t (like limited access to sandbags) led to his real...

Anthony Winter and Brenton Jinks are highly experienced local tradies and community service co-ordinators who have worked for the South Australian Corrections Department for over 16 years. During the 2022-3 Murray River Floods they taught practical trade skills to prisoners, from the safe use of tools to teamwork. They helped participants gain confidence and experience that could support their fut...

David has made the River Murray his home since 1989, forming a deep bond with the land and its dynamic environment. Over 30 years, David’s involvement in the Mid-Murray region deepened, fuelled by his passion for roads and infrastructure. Seven years ago, David returned to the Mid-Murray area, bringing his expertise to the council as Director of Infrastructure. During the 2022 floods, David led th...

Dr Rob Gordon is a psychotherapist who specialises in trauma caused by natural and other disasters. He has been a consultant to the Victorian government and the Red Cross for disasters since 1989.  In this podcast, Rob gives us a powerful and detailed explanation of the effects trauma resulting from disasters and describes strategies for healing. He is warm and compassionate, and his examples...

Peter Hunter grew up by the sea, developing a lifelong love for water, which later shaped his deep connection to rivers and the natural environment. He began his career in 1977, serving as a teacher and later a school principal, honing his skills in leadership and community engagement. Peter transitioned into public service, joining the Renmark council and preparing for greater responsibilities wi...

Shannon worked initially in business and HR, then transitioned into local government nearly ten years ago, developing a passion for infrastructure while supporting management teams. As an intelligence officer for the Renmark Paringa Council, she coordinated resources, working diligently with her team to prepare for the River Murray flood's impacts on the community. Shannon emphasised leveraging lo...

Shelley Rose was the Wellbeing officer for the huge area affected by the 2022 Murray River  flood. She is a mental health practitioner and retired financial counsellor who has been deeply rooted in her local Riverland community for over 23 years.  Shelley's first task was understanding the varied needs of flood victims, from primary and secondary residents to elderly folks moving back to...

Julie Ahrens began her journey as a bonded student teacher, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities in rural Australia. Drawn by job prospects and adventure, Julie moved from to Berri where her passion for teaching and community blossomed. Julie fully immersed herself in the Riverland lifestyle, cherishing the natural beauty and forming deep connections through local events and initiativ...

After being an accountant with the Mid Murray Council, Simone had just been elected Mayor when she suddenly faced a major flood crisis, shifting quickly into immediate disaster management. Simone rallied the community, organising meetings and delivering flyers to get everyone up to speed on flood risks and emergency plans. Simone helped to successfully secure State Government funding and support,...

Born and bred in Renmark, Ivan spent over four decades running his own motor mechanic business before retiring. Passionate about radio communications, Ivan pursued electronics and transitioned into the communications field to avoid heavy manual labour. His expertise landed him a role on the South Australian government radio network, working closely with emergency services like police, fire, and SE...

Tony Sivour is the general manager of the Renmark Paringa Council in South Australia. Born in Barmera, he's a long-term Riverlander who returned after gaining valuable local government experience elsewhere. Tony worked tirelessly to protect Renmark during the major 2022 floods. His efforts focused on managing the levees, coordinating with authorities, and keeping the community informed and safe. &...

Paul Smith, known locally as Jubba, took up photography after a motorbike accident in 2008 left him on disability. After moving to Mannum, South Australia, he began photographing the river, discovering its serene beauty During the 2022, floods Jubba documented the water slowly rising in Mannum and the surrounding areas. As the floodwaters rose, locals and authorities built levees and Jubba capture...

Growing up in Wee Waa, John Milham, a Director of Kintsugi Heroes and host of the River Murray Recovery Stories, experienced the unpredictability of floods. These events taught him about nature's power and the importance of community support in the face of adversity. John recalls the struggles his community faced during floods, from defending homes to coping with displaced wildlife. These challeng...

The 2022 River Murray floods in South Australia were caused by record water inflows from the Murray-Darling Basin due to heavy upstream rainfall. The slowly rising floodwaters inundated homes, businesses, and farmland, causing widespread displacement, infrastructure damage, and agricultural losses. The disaster significantly impacted local economies, communities, and the region’s long-term recover...