The Dungog Shire area saw more than 12 months rainfall dumped in 15 minutes.

Sugarloaf resident Karen Sowter has donated her time to run a food shelter in the Dungog Baptist hall.

“It is two-fold – people can come and get food and others, who are better off, can donate,” she said.

“A friend, retained firefighter Chris Martin organised Aussie Care to bring up a truck load of food to be distributed to those in need,” Ms Sowter.

“Chris and Shane Zanardi unloaded the truck on Wednesday night and laid the food out on tables already set up in the hall.

“It’s nice a quiet here and we can offer a hot cup of tea, coffee, Milo or hot soup, a quiet corner to sit, a box of tissues and a trained counsellor to talk to if needed.

“One of the Catholic Church ladies just bought in a big pot of vegetable and beef stew which has really been appreciated.”

While she is a relative newcomer to the area, Ms Sowter said it was a wonderful community and her family loved it here.

“We have a fabulous town and community,” she said. “If we share the love and what we’ve got then we can build an even better community.

“This is a tough little town but sometimes we need a bit of love, too.”

While there are plenty of packaged and tinned food items available, they are running very short of fresh fruit and vegetables.

“If there is anyone in town who could perhaps make some fresh biscuits, cakes or cupcakes so we can give to people who come in for a chat, then it would really be appreciated,” Ms Sowter said.

The hall is located next to the Baptist Church at the top end of Mackay Street, opposite the entrance to Ironwood Village. 

Originally published as 40 homeless after Dungog's flash flood by Dungog Chronicle.