As devastating floods swept through Taree and surrounding regions in May 2025, one organisation was quick to respond — not with fanfare or formalities, but with heartfelt service, hot meals, and unwavering optimism. Turbans 4 Australia, led by founder Amar Singh, once again brought comfort to thousands in crisis, proving why they remain one of Australia’s most trusted humanitarian voices in times of need.
A Familiar Place, A Renewed Mission
For Amar Singh, Taree is not just another location on the map. “I’ve been coming through this region for 15 years as part of my trucking work,” he shared. “To now see it turned upside down is deeply tragic.”
The catastrophic flooding — described as a one-in-500-year event — began on 18 May, caused by a slow-moving low-pressure system that dumped relentless rain across the Mid North Coast and Hunter regions. Between 20–22 May, rivers burst their banks, flooding towns like Taree, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, and Coffs Harbour. Over 50,000 people were isolated, homes were lost, roads destroyed — and at least five lives were tragically cut short.
But in the midst of despair, Turbans 4 Australia was already on the road.
A Community-Led Response
“We knew we had to act quickly,” said Singh. “Calls were coming in from our partners in the region, from people we helped during the 2021 floods. They were telling us: it’s worse this time.”
Mobilising volunteers, Singh and his team set up operations within days. Thanks to a trucking company’s generous loan of a vehicle, they were able to deliver food hampers, hygiene kits, and even farm equipment to the worst-hit communities.
Partnering with the Lions Club, a local real estate agent who offered free warehouse space, and Saint John’s Anglican Church which opened its kitchen to volunteers, the team got to work. Meals were distributed directly to the public and pre-packed deliveries were made to remote areas through local community partners.
So far, the relief effort has reached communities including Oxley Island, Manning Point, Seal Rocks, and Wingham.
From Food to Farm Rescue
While food, water, and hygiene items were initial priorities, the focus quickly shifted to farming aid.
“This region is known for dairy. A lot of cattle were lost, washed away in floodwaters or euthanised due to injuries. It’s heartbreaking,” Singh said.
In response, Turbans 4 Australia coordinated hay deliveries to support surviving livestock. “Cows are sacred to many in our community, but beyond that — farmers are the backbone of this region. We have to stand with them.”
They’ve now issued calls for shovels, gum boots, generators, and hand tools, urging the public to contribute whatever they can.
Local businesses have stepped up — like Pharmacy 4 Less in Thornleigh, which donated six pallets of bottled water and now acts as a drop-off point alongside Inform Pharmacy in Neutral Bay.
A Decade of Service, A Lifetime of Spirit
This year marks ten years since the founding of Turbans 4 Australia. Singh has become a familiar face in disaster zones — from the 2020 bushfires to Lismore’s floods and now, back again in Taree. He was named Australian Local Hero of the Year in 2023, a recognition of his tireless commitment to others.
“How do we keep going? Our Sikh faith teaches us to remain in Chardi Kala — high spirits, even in adversity,” he reflected. “We draw strength from knowing our work brings hope. A local came up to thank us at a café today — those small moments, they mean the world.”
In addition to Turbans 4 Australia, Sikh Volunteers Australia have also been on the ground in Taree, serving up to 2,000 hot meals daily, turning the shared values of Sikhism into a powerful force of compassion.
How to Help
The work is far from over. Clean-up and recovery in Taree will continue for months. Over 6,000 insurance claims have already been lodged, mostly for damaged homes. But many families still lack basic essentials.
You can support the efforts by donating funds or supplies:
🌐 turbans4australia.org
📍 Drop-off points: Pharmacy 4 Less (Thornleigh) and Inform Pharmacy (Neutral Bay)
All monetary donations are tax deductible and help cover costs such as accommodation for volunteers working around the clock.
Hope Wears a Turban
In a time where disasters can often feel too overwhelming to face, Turbans 4 Australia reminds us that even the smallest act of service can create ripples of resilience. In the words of Amar Singh: “People have lost everything… which is why everything is important right now. We’re here to help, and we’re not going anywhere.”
