River Murray Recovery Stories

About River Murray Recovery Stories

The 2022 River Murray floods in South Australia were caused by record water inflows from the Murray-Darling Basin due to heavy upstream rainfall. The slowly rising floodwaters inundated homes, businesses, and farmland, causing widespread displacement, infrastructure damage, and agricultural losses. The disaster significantly impacted local economies, communities, and the region's long-term recovery. This series captures what the headlines couldn't — the lived experience behind one of the most significant flood events in South Australia's recent history. Unlike a flash flood, the River Murray rose slowly, giving communities weeks to watch the water creep closer, sandbag what they could, and brace for what they couldn't stop. For many, the hardest part wasn't the flood itself — it was the long wait, the long recovery, and the long road back. Through honest, unhurried conversations with the people who lived it, we hear what regional resilience really looks like: the farmers who watched a season's work disappear under water, the small business owners who reopened against the odds, the families displaced from homes that had been in their lives for generations, and the neighbours, volunteers, and emergency responders who showed up when it mattered most. This is a series about land, water, and the people who refuse to let a region be defined by its hardest year. Whether you've lived through a natural disaster yourself, work in emergency response or recovery, or simply want to understand what regional Australia actually goes through long after the cameras leave, this series invites you to listen, witness, and connect. This is a special series of the Kintsugi Heroes Podcast. Kintsugi Heroes is an Australian not-for-profit (DGR endorsed) dedicated to strengthening mental wellbeing through the power of storytelling. We believe lived experience is a gift to be shared, not a scar to be hidden. To find out more about Kintsugi Heroes and our other podcast series, head to KintsugiHeroes.com.au. Connect With Us: 🌐 Website: https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kintsugiheroes 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kintsugi.heroes/ 👥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Kintsugi-Heroes-100084850387170/ ❤️ Donate (tax-deductible): https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/donate/#donate

Publisher

Kintsugi Heroes

Category

health & fitness · society & culture · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

3 Apr 2025

Latest episode

30 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Jul 2026

   Twenty years numb: Karl Germann on complex trauma, queerness, and finding himself at 46 | Pride In Stories - Kintsugi Heroes: Uncovering our Hidden Value

   The 20-year fog

2. 

   20 Jul 2025

   Thriving through disaster thanks to community support with Mark Leigh • River Murray Recovery Stories E16

   Mark Leigh recounts how community support helped him thrive after the 2022 River Murray flood destroyed his home, highlighting the strength found in shared experiences; this is an interview.

3. 

   13 Jul 2025

   Building a home on the Murray River with Adele Johnson • River Murray Recovery Stories E15

   Adele Johnson recounts building a home and community along the Murray River, highlighting the challenges and resilience required during the 2022 floods in this interview.

4. 

   6 Jul 2025

   Conveying calm communications amid rising waters with Stephanie Brookes • River Murray Recovery Stories E14

   Stephanie Brookes discusses her role on the Emergency Incident Management Team during the 2022-23 River Murray floods, focusing on clear communication strategies to reassure the community and build trust during crisis; this is an interview.

5. 

   29 Jun 2025

   Rebuilding a home and advocating for clearer communication with Graham Radford • River Murray Recovery Stories E13

   Landowner Graham Radford shares his experiences preparing for and recovering from the River Murray floods, highlighting the need for improved communication and community organization during crises in this interview.

6. 

   22 Jun 2025

   Building a community workforce with Anthony Winter & Brenton Jinks • River Murray Recovery Stories E12

   Anthony Winter and Brenton Jinks share how they taught practical trade skills to prisoners during the 2022-3 Murray River Floods, fostering confidence and supporting rehabilitation in this interview.

7. 

   15 Jun 2025

   Servicing the community's needs and planning for the future with David Hassett • River Murray Recovery Stories E11

   David Hassett, Director of Infrastructure, discusses coordinating flood defense and infrastructure maintenance for the Mid-Murray community during the 2022 floods, fostering relationships and planning for future resilience in this interview.

8. 

   8 Jun 2025

   Overcoming trauma and mental health impacts after natural disaster with Rob Gordon • River Murray Recovery StoriesE10

   Psychotherapist Dr. Rob Gordon discusses the effects of trauma caused by natural disasters, detailing strategies for healing and emphasizing the importance of social support networks in this interview.

9. 

   1 Jun 2025

   Leading a community with empathy, and managing media misinformation with Peter Hunter • River Murray Recovery Stories E09

   Renmark Mayor Peter Hunter discusses leading his community with empathy during the 2022 floods, managing misinformation, and fostering teamwork among local councils in this interview.

10. 

    25 May 2025

    Rekindling a spirit of collaboration and keeping the community connected with Shannon Baxter • River Murray Recovery

    Intelligence Officer Shannon Baxter describes coordinating community resources and communications during the River Murray flood, emphasizing local expertise and transparent dialogue to foster resilience in this interview.

11. 

    18 May 2025

    Rebuilding a sense of purpose and providing mental health support with Shelley Rose • River Murray Recovery Stories E07

    Shelley Rose was the Wellbeing officer for the huge area affected by the 2022 Murray River flood. She is a mental health practitioner and retired financial counsellor who has been deeply rooted in her local Riverland community for over 23 years. Shelley's first task was understanding the varied needs of flood victims, from primary and secondary residents to elderly folks moving back to the city. Traveling across 440 kilometres of affected areas, Shelley faced challenges like inaccessible roads, necessitating a switch to a four-wheel drive for effective outreach. Facilitating everything from generators for essential services to legal aid for insurance battles, she connected residents with vital resources. She highlighted the rising mental health concerns two years after the flood, as ongoing stress and living conditions affected community resilience. Shelley coordinated with Sophie Thompson from Gardening Australia to rejuvenate flood-ravaged gardens, including planting donated roses, which offered emotional solace to affected residents. To assist with building community resilience, Shelley encouraged initiatives like accidental counselling courses and regular get-togethers to foster communal support and mental health awareness. Tackling everything from mould treatments to financial planning, Shelley adapted solutions to meet the unique needs of each flood-affected household, helping sustain community hope. ------ 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... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUprTW12VlNaU1RXQnBOV2lUcEVpaEhVSl8zUXxBQ3Jtc0trdHJNcFMydXJ2cFlNNnl6Z2lzQy1NazlVMnhzWTRaX0pzWjlmajhnSUlpdTZIZ1I1dlVxNk9QaGdESDF0dHJTY0RwQlFQc1ZDeG1Tc1FHSk1sR3ZUa3F4VDc4SzdOMnBQNVp3azZuWGl4b2JCbE1Wcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kintsugiheroes.com.au%2Fcontact&v=q0h-h6lWZU8) We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories! Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes team

12. 

    11 May 2025

    Reuniting the community and fostering resilience with Julie Ahrens • River Murray Recovery Stories E06

    Julie Ahrens began her journey as a bonded student teacher, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities in rural Australia. Drawn by job prospects and adventure, Julie moved from to Berri where her passion for teaching and community blossomed. Julie fully immersed herself in the Riverland lifestyle, cherishing the natural beauty and forming deep connections through local events and initiatives. With a focus on information literacy, Julie who is a skilled storyteller, contributed significantly to training and development in rural schools during the 1980s. Actively involved in local activities, Julie fostered strong ties within the community, understanding the unique culture and lifestyle of rural towns. Julie led initiatives to repair community connections after the devastating floods, emphasising resilience and unity through creative and inclusive efforts. Her dedication to strengthening community bonds and nurturing young leaders continues to leave a lasting impact in Riverland, building a robust support network. ------ 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... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUprTW12VlNaU1RXQnBOV2lUcEVpaEhVSl8zUXxBQ3Jtc0trdHJNcFMydXJ2cFlNNnl6Z2lzQy1NazlVMnhzWTRaX0pzWjlmajhnSUlpdTZIZ1I1dlVxNk9QaGdESDF0dHJTY0RwQlFQc1ZDeG1Tc1FHSk1sR3ZUa3F4VDc4SzdOMnBQNVp3azZuWGl4b2JCbE1Wcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kintsugiheroes.com.au%2Fcontact&v=q0h-h6lWZU8) We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories! Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes team

13. 

    4 May 2025

    Stepping up to responsibility in a time of crisis with Simone Bailey • River Murray Recovery Stories E05

    After being an accountant with the Mid Murray Council, Simone had just been elected Mayor when she suddenly faced a major flood crisis, shifting quickly into immediate disaster management. Simone rallied the community, organising meetings and delivering flyers to get everyone up to speed on flood risks and emergency plans. Simone helped to successfully secure State Government funding and support, ensuring that essential services continued, and resources reached her community swiftly. With insurance concerns rising, she tackled premium hikes, working to address affordability issues for affected residents. Simone worked closely with other councils and the SES, emphasising teamwork and shared intelligence to manage the flood's impact effectively. She also conducted numerous very successful media interviews with poise and determination to represent the true situation facing her community. Throughout the catastrophic flood event, Simone highlighted community strength, focusing on recovery efforts and learning from the flood for future preparedness. ------ 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... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUprTW12VlNaU1RXQnBOV2lUcEVpaEhVSl8zUXxBQ3Jtc0trdHJNcFMydXJ2cFlNNnl6Z2lzQy1NazlVMnhzWTRaX0pzWjlmajhnSUlpdTZIZ1I1dlVxNk9QaGdESDF0dHJTY0RwQlFQc1ZDeG1Tc1FHSk1sR3ZUa3F4VDc4SzdOMnBQNVp3azZuWGl4b2JCbE1Wcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kintsugiheroes.com.au%2Fcontact&v=q0h-h6lWZU8) We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories! Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes team

14. 

    27 Apr 2025

    Managing emergency communications in a time of need with Ivan Smith • River Murray Recovery Stories E04

    Born and bred in Renmark, Ivan spent over four decades running his own motor mechanic business before retiring. Passionate about radio communications, Ivan pursued electronics and transitioned into the communications field to avoid heavy manual labour. His expertise landed him a role on the South Australian government radio network, working closely with emergency services like police, fire, and SES. During the 2022 floods, Ivan's elevated property allowed him to focus on helping others rather than worrying about his own safety. Spotting potential communication issues due to flooding, Ivan devised a plan for uninterrupted emergency communication and presented it to the council. His proactive approach led to the implementation of solar-powered, standalone communication systems, uniting community efforts and ensuring effective management. Beyond technical support, Ivan offered emotional assistance to friends and neighbours, providing both practical help and moral support during the crisis. ------ 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... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUprTW12VlNaU1RXQnBOV2lUcEVpaEhVSl8zUXxBQ3Jtc0trdHJNcFMydXJ2cFlNNnl6Z2lzQy1NazlVMnhzWTRaX0pzWjlmajhnSUlpdTZIZ1I1dlVxNk9QaGdESDF0dHJTY0RwQlFQc1ZDeG1Tc1FHSk1sR3ZUa3F4VDc4SzdOMnBQNVp3azZuWGl4b2JCbE1Wcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kintsugiheroes.com.au%2Fcontact&v=q0h-h6lWZU8) We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories! Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes team

15. 

    20 Apr 2025

    Safeguarding the community and leading a team through natural disaster with Tony Siviour • River Murray Recovery Stories E03

    Tony Sivour is the general manager of the Renmark Paringa Council in South Australia. Born in Barmera, he's a long-term Riverlander who returned after gaining valuable local government experience elsewhere. Tony worked tirelessly to protect Renmark during the major 2022 floods. His efforts focused on managing the levees, coordinating with authorities, and keeping the community informed and safe. As flood warnings loomed, Tony quickly initiated the emergency incident management team, ensuring the council was ready to face the approaching deluge. Renmark's levee banks span 38 kilometres, and Tony coordinated repairs and fortifications, involving 350 private landowners to get consent for necessary work. There was the additional challenge of managing media communications. Local media support was invaluable, though sensationalism required quick, centralised messaging. Through daily meetings, Tony’s team tackled urgent issues like stormwater management, preventing internal flooding, and utilising digital elevation models for priority decisions. Tony addressed community concerns firsthand and discussed strategies with veteran residents, reinforcing trust and ensuring everyone understood the situation’s gravity. He liaised with other affected councils, offering insights from Renmark’s experiences. Managing cleanup efforts, Tony ensured the council’s continuous support to help the community bounce back from the flood's aftermath, prioritising safety and infrastructure. ------ 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... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUprTW12VlNaU1RXQnBOV2lUcEVpaEhVSl8zUXxBQ3Jtc0trdHJNcFMydXJ2cFlNNnl6Z2lzQy1NazlVMnhzWTRaX0pzWjlmajhnSUlpdTZIZ1I1dlVxNk9QaGdESDF0dHJTY0RwQlFQc1ZDeG1Tc1FHSk1sR3ZUa3F4VDc4SzdOMnBQNVp3azZuWGl4b2JCbE1Wcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kintsugiheroes.com.au%2Fcontact&v=q0h-h6lWZU8) We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories! Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes team

16. 

    13 Apr 2025

    Turning disaster into natural beauty through photography with Paul Smith • River Murray Recovery Stories E02

    Paul Smith, known locally as Jubba, took up photography after a motorbike accident in 2008 left him on disability. After moving to Mannum, South Australia, he began photographing the river, discovering its serene beauty During the 2022, floods Jubba documented the water slowly rising in Mannum and the surrounding areas. As the floodwaters rose, locals and authorities built levees and Jubba captured the community's collective efforts. Granted special access to levees, Jubba's photos provided a rare view of the unfolding flood and its severity. Despite the levees, many riverside businesses were flooded and he showed the resilience and struggles of affected owners. Post-flood, Jubba work continues to highlight both the beauty of the river and the enduring spirit of the Mannum community. You can find Jubba’s photos on Facebook and Instagram as Jubba Photography ------ 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... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUprTW12VlNaU1RXQnBOV2lUcEVpaEhVSl8zUXxBQ3Jtc0trdHJNcFMydXJ2cFlNNnl6Z2lzQy1NazlVMnhzWTRaX0pzWjlmajhnSUlpdTZIZ1I1dlVxNk9QaGdESDF0dHJTY0RwQlFQc1ZDeG1Tc1FHSk1sR3ZUa3F4VDc4SzdOMnBQNVp3azZuWGl4b2JCbE1Wcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kintsugiheroes.com.au%2Fcontact&v=q0h-h6lWZU8) We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories! Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes team

17. 

    9 Apr 2025

    Supporting communities in their times of need with John Milham • River Murray Recovery Stories E01

    Growing up in Wee Waa, John Milham, a Director of Kintsugi Heroes and host of the River Murray Recovery Stories, experienced the unpredictability of floods. These events taught him about nature's power and the importance of community support in the face of adversity. John recalls the struggles his community faced during floods, from defending homes to coping with displaced wildlife. These challenges demanded creativity and resilience for survival and recovery. During floods, the town came together, whether offering shelter at the local pub or using tractors for transport, the community proved its strength and unity. John's experiences in Wee Waa helped him develop leadership skills. He watched local leaders guide their community through crisis, understanding the impact of decisive and compassionate decision-making. Floods didn’t just bring physical challenges; they also affected the community’s spirit. The resilience forged during these times became an essential part of the town’s cultural fabric and identity. Navigating floods in Wee Waa taught John the importance of respecting nature and adapting to its forces. These lessons influenced his lifelong commitment to community service and understanding environmental dynamics. John's flood experiences became emblematic of shared community history. By preserving and sharing these stories, he emphasises the need for future preparedness and communal resilience, inspiring the next generation. ------ 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... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUprTW12VlNaU1RXQnBOV2lUcEVpaEhVSl8zUXxBQ3Jtc0trdHJNcFMydXJ2cFlNNnl6Z2lzQy1NazlVMnhzWTRaX0pzWjlmajhnSUlpdTZIZ1I1dlVxNk9QaGdESDF0dHJTY0RwQlFQc1ZDeG1Tc1FHSk1sR3ZUa3F4VDc4SzdOMnBQNVp3azZuWGl4b2JCbE1Wcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kintsugiheroes.com.au%2Fcontact&v=q0h-h6lWZU8) We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories! Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes team

18. 

    3 Apr 2025

    Trailer - River Murray Recovery Stories

    The 2022 River Murray floods in South Australia were caused by record water inflows from the Murray-Darling Basin due to heavy upstream rainfall. The slowly rising floodwaters inundated homes, businesses, and farmland, causing widespread displacement, infrastructure damage, and agricultural losses. The disaster significantly impacted local economies, communities, and the region’s long-term recovery. In this special limited series of Kintsugi Heroes, John Milham sits down with members of the Riverlands community and gives them space to share their experiences of their personal adversity and community resilience. It's only through connection and empathy that there can be a path to recovery. These stories of trauma can be confronting. If you find they have a triggering effect, please reach out to someone who can help keep you safe. Now listen in as John takes you to the Riverland Recovery Stories with Kintsugi Heroes.

Who has been a guest on River Murray Recovery Stories

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Mark Leigh
• Adele Johnson
• Stephanie Brookes
• Graham Radford
• Anthony Winter

Podcast Authority Score: 28 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

56

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact River Murray Recovery Stories

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.