Communities like Casino have an enduring spirit, which is exemplified in tough situations like this year’s floods.

Working out of the Casino Racecourse and Showgrounds, volunteer-run farming relief organisation Blaze Aid has been operating an emergency distribution centre.

The volume of donated food, clothing and assistance has overjoyed, and overwhelmed the volunteers at the centre, as have the requests for help from the community.

Members of the 1st Combat Service Support Battalion (1 CSSB) have been put to work unloading, packing and delivering donated goods by Blaze Aid Vice President, Mrs Chris Male.

“It’s hard to put into words how corporative and easy to work with the Army team have been,” Mrs Male said.

“It was a jumble in the first few days, but they came and sorted it out, and will greet you with a happy face and tell you exactly where it all is.

“You walk through the door and a lieutenant tells us ‘you give me a wishlist, and I’ll try and make it happen.’ It’s just wonderful, and the farming community is so grateful.”

Australian Army soldiers organise donations for flood-affected Casino community members in northern New South Wales as part of Operation Flood Assist 2022. Photo: Corporal Sagi Biderman

Aside from running the distribution centre, Blaze Aid’s primary role following a natural disaster is to assist in the rebuild of fences for livestock and agriculture.

The day prior, Mrs Male sent a team of eight Army members to assist a 93 year old farmer with rebuilding his fence.

The Army team stood up the fence, cleared rubbish and patched the breaks in a few short hours, helping the farmer contain his nearly 200 dairy cattle.

Commanding the 1st Field Supply Company at the Casino showgrounds, Lieutenant Brett Trevorrow, has found the experience of running the central hub both eye opening and very rewarding.

“The community of Casino are a proud group, who would rather give their last bottle of water to their neighbour before accepting help for themselves,” Lieutenant Trevorrow said.

“We like to say to people that come in; ‘whatever you need, come and see us and we can try and make something happen, of find you someone who can.

“We’re proud to have built that relationship, and have the community know that we’re here to offer help in any way we can, which won’t compromise their pride.”

The Blaze Aid community rely on the farming network to let them know who needs their help, and to ensure no one slips through the cracks.

The donation centre in Casino is still in need of baby formula, non-perishable foods, and vouchers for petrol to aid the community in getting back on their feet.

To donate to Blaze Aid, please visit https://blazeaid.com.au/donations/how-donate/