As floodwaters finally begin to recede in parts of southeast Australia, a small mobile kitchen parked beside a hardware store in Taree is offering more than just food—it’s serving up compassion, resilience, and community spirit.
In the aftermath of relentless rains that submerged homes and severed access to entire towns in New South Wales, Melbourne-based charity Sikh Volunteers Australia has arrived with much-needed relief. Driving nearly 1,200 kilometers from their home base, the volunteers set up their food truck in one of the hardest-hit regions to offer free, hot meals to thousands.
Among those waiting in line was Mark Kappa, a local farmer who had just regained access to basic comforts after three days without electricity.
“We’ve had no power out at the farm. We lost our milk. We lost everything,” he said while cradling a hot drink—the first in days—as volunteers behind him prepared hearty servings of vegetarian curry, pasta, and rice.
The volunteers have already served nearly 3,000 meals in just three days, providing lifelines to flood victims and emergency workers alike. Their presence in Taree is a continuation of their longstanding commitment to helping during disasters, having offered similar services during the catastrophic bushfires and floods that have plagued Australia in recent years.
Jaswinder Singh, head of Sikh Volunteers Australia, reflected on the unity he’s witnessed amid adversity.
“In times of disasters, I’ve seen the spirit of Australians come even better, closer to each other,” he said. “That has a very positive impact.”
More than 50,000 residents in the Hunter and Mid North Coast regions were cut off last week as rivers burst their banks and infrastructure was torn apart. At least five lives have been lost in the floods, which are just the latest in a string of extreme weather events hitting the country.
Ashari Hudson, who was collecting food for a friend affected by the floods, echoed the gratitude felt by many.
“To be able to know that you can turn up and just get some food—it’s just heart-warming,” she said.
With their compact setup and unwavering dedication, Sikh Volunteers Australia continues to remind the nation that amidst destruction, acts of kindness can still flourish.
As Australia grapples with increasingly frequent natural disasters—many of which scientists link to climate change—the role of grassroots aid groups like this one has never been more vital.
For flood-hit families in towns like Taree, it’s not just about the meals. It’s about knowing they’re not alone.
