Graham arrived to live on the Murray in 2010 after a life as a multi-generation landowner and farmer elsewhere in the region. He describes rural self-reliance, and both the strengths and challenges of small-town community dynamics during crises.

His first-hand experiences with flood preparation, with the help of his family, what worked, what didn’t (like limited access to sandbags) led to his realisation that community organisation to help people prepare was lacking in the early stages.

Graham expressed his frustration with the lack of clear, timely information before and during the flood, and his call for better documentation and central communication in future emergencies.

He also tells personal stories of loss, uncertainty, and change, including the trauma within the community, as well as unexpected positives like the opportunity to modernise his cottage.

He discusses the mixed aftermath effect on farming and expectations versus reality like the disappointing effect of salt leaching, rather than soil enrichment, after the flood, and the evolving challenges for farmers in the region.

Graham is a passionate advocate for recording lessons learned, so future generations and community leaders can better prepare for and respond to future Murray River floods.

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We hope that you enjoyed this episode of River Murray Recovery Stories, brought to you by Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/con...

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

Anthony Winter and Brenton Jinks are highly experienced local tradies and community service co-ordinators who have worked for the South Australian Corrections Department for over 16 years. During the 2022-3 Murray River Floods they taught practical trade skills to prisoners, from the safe use of tools to teamwork. They helped participants gain confidence and experience that could support their future employment and rehabilitation.

They led crews in building and assembling flood defence barriers, such as Defence Cell levees working long days in tough conditions. Their local knowledge helped integrate the prisoner work gangs into broader emergency efforts, enabling a more unified response to the flood.

By fostering trust with locals and being approachable leaders, they helped change attitudes about prisoner involvement in public projects. Their personal connections reassured the community, opening doors for wider acceptance and meaningful collaboration.

They ensured jobs were completed to a high standard despite resource constraints and changing priorities throughout the flood response period.

With a focus on skill development, they offered prisoners hands-on training in trades like carpentry, landscaping, and machinery operation. These opportunities provided structure and a sense of achievement, supporting rehabilitation and personal growth.

After the floods, Anthony and Brenton and their team supported recovery efforts by removing debris, repairing local facilities, and supporting the most affected residents.

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We hope that you enjoyed this episode of River Murray Recovery Stories, brought to you by Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/con...

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

David has made the River Murray his home since 1989, forming a deep bond with the land and its dynamic environment.

Over 30 years, David’s involvement in the Mid-Murray region deepened, fuelled by his passion for roads and infrastructure.

Seven years ago, David returned to the Mid-Murray area, bringing his expertise to the council as Director of Infrastructure.

During the 2022 floods, David led the co-ordination of flood defence strategies and infrastructure maintenance for the community. Ensuring effective communication, he rallied his team and worked with local and state agencies to address evolving flood challenges.

David’s efforts extended beyond just logistics, fostering strong relationships with local residents and associations during and after the floods.

Even post-floods, David continues to lead ongoing recovery efforts, pushing for funding, and planning for future resilience in Mid-Murray.

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We hope that you enjoyed this episode of River Murray Recovery Stories, brought to you by Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/con...

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team