As the Central Coast continues to mop up after the devastating rains earlier this month, the community of Spencer on the Lower Hawkesbury is banding together.
For new owners of the Spencer general store, Trent Atkins and his wife Bianca Hudson, it has been a trying time since they moved to the area just over a year ago.
The couple bought the store, renaming it The Anchor at Spencer just days before the heavy rains devastated the area earlier this month, just as the township was recovering from the March floods.
“A short time after we bought our home in Cohens Creek we had two floods in just over a week,” Atkins said.
“First the back creek flooded when a water tank got caught underneath a footbridge and water went through ours and neighbouring properties.
“We have three teenage boys whose bedrooms are on the ground floor and we lost everything-down there.
“There wasn’t even enough time to clear things before the water hit.
“We had just got that all tidied up when less than two weeks later the big floods hit in March and it happened all over again.
“All the furniture, including the beds, had to be replaced once more.”
Just as the family recovered from the March flooding, it finalised the purchase of the general store in June – only for the floods to return within days.
“Thankfully the shop didn’t get flooded but our home was flooded again, along with those of all our neighbours,” Atkins said.
“Somehow it absorbs the pain and anguish knowing all the people you love and respect are in the same situation – we are all feeling the strain together.”
Although the family’s boys are presently sleeping in the store on swags, with their bedrooms once again flooded, Atkins said the community spirit in Spencer was shining through.
“This is the most beautiful part of the world and it would take more than floods to get us away from this area,” Atkins said.
“But it’s more than the beauty of Spencer and its surrounds – it’s the people.
“They are quite unique – we have been overwhelmed by the genuine care they all have for each other.
“I suppose that is symbolic of country towns but I think Spencer is special.
Atkins said when stocking the store became difficult after the rain, the owner of the local caravan park provided a barge free of charge to deliver the goods and residents helped unpack the barge and stack goods in the shop.
“It was good that we were able to keep the shop open throughout not only for residents but to support the people who were supporting us – like the SES and RFS volunteers,” he said.
The shop also provided food for flood-affected residents, suspending payment.
“We helped out where we could – we didn’t expect payment right away,” Atkins said.
“We were looking out for one another.”
Atkins said the family had secured flood insurance following the March event, but was extremely grateful for support offered by State and Federal governments at that time.
“The money covered the costs of the most important items you need in a functioning home – it was a wonderful thing they did,” he said.
“We would have really been in trouble but for the Back to Home grant.
“There were delays, which was natural – but when it all settled down they delivered.”
As the family awaits insurance estimates, the three boys are sleeping at the store, while Atkins, Hudson and their two-year-old daughter are still able to live in the upper level of the home.
“We’re here for as long as we are standing upright.
“We will continue on with our vision to make the store stronger than ever and are looking forward to a new menu.
“We renamed the store The Anchor, and just like an anchor, we are holding fast.
Terry Collins