27 February 2026
When severe flooding hit Taree in 2025, the Huett family lost more than possessions; half of their home was destroyed. It was the latest in a series of floods that left recovery feeling overwhelming for the family.
Like many people in flood-affected communities, the Huetts were trying to keep their business running, support their children and manage the emotional toll of seeing their home repeatedly damaged.
Taree residents (from left to right): Noah, Rebecca, Seth, and Daryl Huett
NAB Foundation's major partner, Disaster Relief Australia (DRA), was on the ground with its volunteers ready to provide practical support. DRA volunteers including the NAB Foundation Recovery Crew, a group of everyday Australians who form part of DRA’s corporate and community volunteer workforce, worked alongside the family to help with the physical tasks required to start rebuilding.
As part of the recovery effort, 12 local NAB colleagues from the Mid-North Coast joined the NAB Foundation Recovery Crew, providing hands-on support to help their community take its first steps toward recovery.
Nang Hong, Manager, NAB Care & Hardship Reporting & Insights, said being on the ground in Taree reinforced the reality behind the hardship cases his team supports every day.
“Coming from Melbourne, seeing the physical cleanup firsthand was a powerful reminder that recovery doesn’t end when the waters recede. For many customers, the road back is long and financial hardship support is often needed well beyond the initial disaster response.” Nang said.
Volunteers from Disaster Relief Australia and the NAB Foundation Volunteer Recovery Crew
NAB provides $1,000 grants and additional financial relief to customers impacted by declared disasters, with $1.39 million provided to customers affected by the May 2025 Mid North Coast floods.
“Supporting families on the ground, while also helping strengthen the way disaster relief grants are delivered, reinforced how important it is that our operational processes work when communities need them most.”
For colleagues involved in recovery efforts, experiences on the ground reinforce the importance of continually strengthening the operational systems that underpin disaster relief and long-term recovery.
For anyone looking to support communities after disaster strikes, there are opportunities to get involved and contribute to long-term recovery efforts.
