Slim Dusty said it best when he sang 'there's-a nothing so lonesome, morbid or drear than to stand in the bar of a pub with no beer' and thanks to Port Stephens SES, that was prevented yesterday with the delivery of kegs by boat to the Victoria Hotel in Hinton.
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The Raymond Terrace-based SES unit delivered the kegs of beer plus other essential items to the town in the west of Port Stephens on Thursday after it was cut off by flood water.
"During times of flood the Hinton pub has always been where the community has gathered and come together to build resilience," Port Stephens SES unit commander David Douglas said.
"We've been working towards maintaining normality to the community and ensuring that a meeting place can stay open and trade.
"We are also transporting other essential supplies, medications and essential service providers such as hospital staff and disability support workers.
"Other members also assisted with critical welfare checks, livestock and community information. When roads are out, boats take their place."
The SES unit was back out on the water at 7am on Friday delivering supplies and transporting Hinton residents cut off from surrounding areas because of flood water.
Rising flood waters from the Hunter River isolated Hinton in the early on Thursday morning when it peaked at the minor flood level of 2.50 metres.
Volunteers from Port Stephens SES mobilised the unit's boats on Thursday to transport supplies, medications and support workers into the heart of Hinton - the Victoria Hotel.
The Victoria Hotel gave the SES a "big thank you" for making the delivery on Thursday.
"Whilst the floodwaters are lapping at the door, the bar at The Victoria Hotel, Hinton will stay open, so please join us for drinks and a chat while we wait for the water to subside," the pub posted to its Facebook page on Friday.
"The bistro will not be operating, sorry. Thank you to the SES for getting through with our emergency supplies."
Mr Douglas said SES crews transporting people and items in the Hinton and Morpeth areas on Thursday, plus other houses in the region that have been isolated due to flood water.
A Port Stephens SES boat, rescue truck and rescue crew remain in Hinton overnight on Thursday to respond to any urgent requests for assistance.
"Given the major and moderate flooding occurring at Singleton and Maitland, it is expected that the water levels further down the Hunter River will remain elevated," Mr Douglas said.
"We advise all communities living along this river system to remain vigilant in the current saturated conditions. Please remain aware of your surroundings."
In its latest flood watch, issued at 6am on Friday, the Bureau of Meteorology predicts that the Hunter River at Raymond Terrace will now remain below the minor flood level (2.50m).
The river peaked at 2.50m about 3.45am on Thursday, March 10.
Moderate flooding is still occurring at Maitland, where river levels are likely to peak Friday morning, and Singleton where a major flood peak of 13.16m was observed around 7pm Wednesday.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
