Graham arrived to live on the Murray in 2010 after a life as a multi-generation landowner and farmer elsewhere in the region. He describes rural self-reliance, and both the strengths and challenges of small-town community dynamics during crises.

His first-hand experiences with flood preparation, with the help of his family, what worked, what didn’t (like limited access to sandbags) led to his realisation that community organisation to help people prepare was lacking in the early stages.

Graham expressed his frustration with the lack of clear, timely information before and during the flood, and his call for better documentation and central communication in future emergencies.

He also tells personal stories of loss, uncertainty, and change, including the trauma within the community, as well as unexpected positives like the opportunity to modernise his cottage.

He discusses the mixed aftermath effect on farming and expectations versus reality like the disappointing effect of salt leaching, rather than soil enrichment, after the flood, and the evolving challenges for farmers in the region.

Graham is a passionate advocate for recording lessons learned, so future generations and community leaders can better prepare for and respond to future Murray River floods.

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We hope that you enjoyed this episode of River Murray Recovery Stories, brought to you by Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

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Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team