Following devastating floods in the Hunter Valley last week, the Broke-Fordwich wine region has announced a fundraising appeal.
Winery cellar doors, restaurants and other businesses are planning to reopen this weekend, commencing Friday July 15, following ‘the worst flood in the 198-year history of the village’.
A press statement from the region detailed that ‘over 50 houses [have] been severely impacted by the disaster.’
Andrew Margan, who runs Margan Estate winery alongside his wife Lisa, saw his business heavily affected by the floodwaters. Margan called upon wider industry, and the public, to support producers in the area.
“The community of Broke, government bodies, and all of the people who have been on the ground helping to try and put our wonderful community back together again can only do so much.”
“We urge people to come and visit the cellar doors and restaurants, buy wines online or in retail outlets,” Margan said.
However, while cellar doors and restaurants in the area surrounding Broke will be open this weekend, access to the Broke township itself is currently limited to residents during this period of clean-up and recovery. Nevertheless, Margan outlined how people can support the region from afar through donations to its fundraiser.
“We are also asking for donations via our community Go Fund Me with 100 per cent of funds going directly to those left without homes and insurance policies that don’t cover flood damage.”
The Broke Disaster Relief team are currently working with Resilience NSW to raise funds and gather materials for affected families.
In addition to the Go Fund Me page, the relief team are encouraging the public to donate physical times, money, time and serves through Givit.org. Here donors can also purchase vouchers that Broke residents will be able to use to buy necessities.
Awareness can also be raised by sharing the appeal’s imagery on social media channels, using the hashtag #goforbroke wines.
Donate via the Go Fund Me page here or via the Givit.org page here.