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Operation Simmonds
In November 2022 more than 1000 residents in the regional NSW town of Forbes were evacuated to higher ground in preparation for its worst flood in 70 years.
Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) conducted a flood recovery operation in the Forbes, Parkes and Cabonne local government areas. DRA’s work included general flood clean-up activities such as mucking out and gutting of flood affected properties, removal of both furniture and damaged wall linings, remedial clean-up measures, debris management and removal, chainsaw operations, fence line repairs, aerial damage assessments and spontaneous community volunteer management.
NSW Floods Recovery Operation
Following the devasting impact of the November 2022 flood, DRA spent six-weeks on the ground, providing clean-up activities. Our base of operations was located at the Forbes Showground, Forbes.
Areas of Operation
Disaster Relief Australia conducted a flood recovery operation in the Forbes, Parkes and Cabonne local government areas.
Flood Recovery Taskings
DRA’s work included general flood clean-up activities such as mucking out and gutting of flood affected properties, removal of both furniture and damaged wall linings, remedial clean-up measures, debris management and removal, chainsaw operations, fence line repairs, aerial damage assessments and spontaneous community volunteer management.
Requests for Clean-Up Assistance
Members of the community who required DRA’s assistance contacted the team on the ground and arranged a damage assessment.
The story behind the name
DRA has a proud military background, and as part of our respect to our veteran roots when we deploy a disaster relief operation we name it after a local veteran in honour of their service to the community, and in turn ours.
Operation Simmonds is named after Corporal Edley Simmonds (pictured) and Private James Simmonds. The pair were brothers from Forbes and served in the 2/31 Battalion AIF. They were killed in action on the Kokoda Track within a short time of each other 10 November 1942. Edley was 29 and James 28. They are buried at Port Moresby (Bomana) War Cemetery, Bomana, Papua New Guinea.
Operation Simmonds is named in their honour with the blessing of their family descendants.
Operation impact
7553
Volunteer hours
137
Volunteers deployed
78
Work orders completed
$426,835
Community costs saved
New South Wales Flood Recovery 2023
DRA’s flood recovery operation in Forbes, NSW
Get involved
Planning for upcoming operational deployments is now underway. If you are keen to participate or find out more, express your interest today.