When floods in May 2025 ravaged the mid-north coast of New South Wales, Australia, Mitchells Island and Oxley Island were cut off, becoming isolated. Roads were submerged, and transportation halted. Yet, the residents were not defeated by adversity; instead, they rallied together, helping each other face the challenges. Following the disaster, Tzu Chi Sydney volunteers stepped forward, bringing essential supplies and blessings to the communities, allowing hope to blossom once more on the flood-affected land.

Rebuilding hope in isolated communities

On October 11, 2025, the second phase of flood relief unfolded on Mitchells Island. This followed the first phase in July, which took place at Wingham Courthouse. Through these efforts, a deep trust was forged between Tzu Chi and local community leaders like Kate, a manager, and Tammy, a lawyer. Despite many residents still being unable to return home and businesses struggling to recover, a positive spirit prevailed.

Driven by their love for the community, Kate and Tammy worked with the Manning Valley Neighbourhood community organization to identify households whose homes were completely destroyed. Two hundred households registered for assistance. Across two phases, Tzu Chi supported 105 households with gift vouchers ranging from 1,000 to 1,600 AUD (approximately 667 USD to 1068 USD),  totaling 90,000 AUD(approximately 60,100 USD). Notably, some affected families chose to forgo assistance, allowing their spots to be given to those in greater need—an act of profound compassion that deeply touched the volunteers.

Compassion in action

The relief distribution event was held at Mitchells Island Hall, generously provided free of charge by its chairman, Ian Smith. Volunteers prepared a variety of vegetarian dishes, including lemon chicken tomato skewers, purple cabbage cucumber sushi, and mini veggie burgers, offering healthy and warm snacks to the survivors. Every aspect, from preparation to food and venue, reflected a spirit of compassion.

Wan-Ching You (游晚晴), a volunteer, shared a touching encounter: “One gentleman wanted to amend his wife’s registration form because his eldest child was now 18 and an adult, and he didn’t want to waste resources. Seeing the farmer’s honesty and integrity earned my deep respect. Another woman collected a gift voucher for her brother, who was working day and night to repair his house. She excitedly showed me a new calf her brother had bought. She was reluctant to see the volunteers leave and even took a photo with us.”

The distribution process was not without its challenges, but volunteers faced them with confidence and perseverance. The smooth execution was a testament to the team’s collective wisdom and dedication. Volunteers led sign language performances of “The Spirit of Great Love” and “Give Love.” A prayer, adapted from a version used for floods in Taiwan, was offered. The emcee described the mercilessness of the floods, entire villages buried in mud, and the arduous reconstruction efforts. Residents, deeply empathetic, spontaneously donated to help their fellow survivors rebuild.

Wan-Ching You noted that a resident mentioned the post-flood scene was exactly like the video shown, with significant mud residue. She admired the residents’ courage in restoring their homes. Through sign language, prayer, and fundraising, the aid extended beyond material provision to spiritual comfort and the circulation of love.

Stories of resilience and gratitude

Bertrand, a retired resident with a disability, recounted the difficult days after the flood. “Both our houses were completely submerged; we lost almost everything. The support from Tzu Chi and other charitable organizations deeply moved me. It’s wonderful to receive help, as there isn’t much support here normally. Thank you.” This simple “thank you” carried immense weight.

Cynthia and her daughter Anne suffered significant losses but remained full of gratitude. “I love the volunteers’ singing; it’s an inspiring force, truly beautiful and powerful,” Cynthia shared. She was particularly touched by the inclusive atmosphere of the prayer ceremony. Movingly, even while still rebuilding her life, she made a donation at the distribution site. “The song mentioned ‘you can give back when you are ready,’ and that really touched me,” she continued. In that moment, a cycle of love quietly began.

Anthony, a Mitchells Island resident, still remembered the despair brought by the floods. “We lost almost everything, but the arrival of the volunteers brought smiles back to our faces.” He carefully held the paper cranes folded by Tzu Chi humanistic academy students and the eco-friendly blanket, feeling they were “symbols of hope.”

Kara, a mother of five, lost her home but maintained a grateful heart. After watching a video about floods in Taiwan, she remarked, “It turns out so many people in the world are also facing difficulties; it’s wonderful to support each other.” Stroking the eco-friendly scarf in her child’s hands, she said, “These gifts are so beautiful; my son loves them, and they make us feel love from afar.” Despite her predicament, Kara firmly stated, “I still want to help others because every bit of help can warm another person.”

Joyce, a Tzu Chi academy parent and university professor, and her 17-year-old daughter Diane participated in Tzu Chi’s disaster relief for the first time. Joyce was deeply moved, saying, “When I saw the survivors shed tears upon hearing the amount of the aid, I realized that love needs no language; it manifests through action.” She shared that her daughter had participated in Tzu Chi activities since childhood, adding, “The seeds of goodness sown in childhood are now blossoming.”

The floods may have taken homes, but they could not extinguish the light in people’s hearts. The residents of Mitchells Island and Oxley Island rose again from fear and isolation. Tzu Chi volunteers, with their hands and hearts, built bridges of hope. On this land, which has endured the floods, Tzu Chi’s footprints and the residents’ smiles intertwine to form the most moving pictures.

Written by Betty Lin (林美鳳), Hui-Ling Chen (陳蕙玲), Wen-Li Huang (黃文俐)