A message from the Governor of New South Wales

Published on 25 May 2025

A Message from Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales

Dennis and I are deeply concerned about the impacts of the floods in Taree and the surrounding areas. I have been in touch with your mayor to receive an update and to express our support to her, the council and the courageous and wonderfully connected community of the Mid Coast area.

It was only in March that we visited to meet local people, community groups, support agencies and cultural organisations.  At that time, there was relief in the community that Cyclone Alfred had been downgraded. However, with the current flooding, one of the most severe in your history, there is no possible sense of relief, with so many facing the loss of housing and livelihoods. I am also conscious that there is a challenging time of recovery and rebuilding ahead.

We acknowledge the grief, trauma and dislocation that these floods are causing and share our deepest condolences for the loss of life of one of your loved community members.

This is also a time to say thank you to the locals who have looked out for neighbours and vulnerable people and to the volunteers in our emergency services who have saved lives and property, and to all members of the community who are now working so hard to assist others in their time of need.  You demonstrate what we saw firsthand when we were among you - that your community is one characterised by courage, compassion, endurance and kindness.

- Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales