Frontier Services stands firm with flood-affected communities
Heavy rain in remote parts of the country initially brought welcomed relief. Now that has turned to concern with rising waters taking its toll on outback properties and townships
March 3, 2026
By Millie Hanlon, Marketing & Communications Coordinator for Frontier Services
Recent weeks have brought extraordinary rainfall across parts of remote Australia. After long, dry stretches, communities in western NSW, western Queensland, Northern Territory and South Australia are now experiencing widespread rain, rising waterways and a rapidly changing landscape. What begins as welcome relief can quickly become a season of challenge, as shifting conditions bring both renewal and disruption to people living far from regional centres.
As creeks fill and rivers spread across the plains, roads close, access becomes limited and families may find themselves isolated for weeks at a time. Freight delays, cancelled travel and the uncertainty of rising water create pressures that often go unseen by those outside these regions.
Throughout this unfolding season, Frontier Services’ Bush Chaplains continue to be a steady presence. They are checking in where they can – by road when possible, by air when required, and by phone when communities become cut off. Their visits and conversations bring reassurance, connection and calm during a time that can feel unpredictable for many remote households.
“... once the water begins to recede, the demands on families will not ease.”
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.
But at Frontier Services, we know that once the water begins to recede, the demands on families will not ease. There will be fences to repair, properties to clean up, delayed work to catch up on and the ongoing strain that isolation leaves behind. For people already managing the physical and emotional load of life in remote Australia, this support will be essential.
This is where our Outback Links volunteers play a vital role. Volunteers offer practical help and genuine companionship to families who would otherwise face these challenges alone. A few days of assistance – whether with maintenance, household tasks or simply an extra set of hands – can make a profound difference after weeks of disruption.
As conditions continue to evolve across the outback, Frontier Services anticipates a growing need for volunteers ready to stand alongside communities when access returns.
If you feel drawn to lend a hand with Outback Links, you can find out more here.
To those living in affected areas, we hold you in our thoughts and pray you remain safe. To our supporters and volunteers, thank you for ensuring we can continue to walk with remote communities through every season. Your presence makes our presence possible.
More news from the Assembly
President's Easter Message 2026
Peace BeWith You Easter messages from the President and Moderators of the Uniting Church in Australia In a world that can feel loud, anxious, and divided, Easter arrives with a quiet but powerful word: peace. This Easter, Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia, offers a message drawn from…
UCA Leaders gather for key week of discernment
Key week of discernment in shaping the Church’s future Last week, Leaders across the Uniting Church gathered for a pivotal time of meetings, shaping shared vision, national priorities and future direction Leaders from across the Uniting Church in Australia gathered in Sydney last week for a significant series of meetings, marking an important time…
Journey to Net Zero: 2026 Roundtables
Be part of the Uniting Church’s Climate Action Roundtables The church community is invited to join this year’s series of Roundtables equipping communities for faithful, practical climate action Subscribe to our newsletter If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to…
Honouring shared mission
Honouring shared mission Earlier this month, the Korean World Mission Fellowship (KWMF) held a ceremony to recognise descendants of Australian missionaries who lived martyr-like lives for the evangelisation of Korea Representatives of the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA), including Assembly Associate General Secretary Rev Lindsay Cullen and Rev Seung Jae Yeon of the Korean…
New UnitingCare Australia National Director officially commissioned
Tamara Thomas officially commissioned as National Director, UnitingCare Australia Before leaders and members of the Uniting Church and UnitingCare, Tamara Thomas has been formally welcomed into her new role as National Director of the Church’s social justice and advocacy agency Tamara Thomas has been officially commissioned as the new National Director of UnitingCare Australia.…
UCA President urges political leaders to back peace and immediate ceasefire
Middle East conflict: UCA President urges Political Leaders to back peace and immediate ceasefire President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev Charissa Suli, has written to the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, the Leader of the Australian Greens and other Australian political party leaders, urging multi-partisan support for the Australian Government to…
Bible Study resource celebrates 50 years
With Love to the World celebrates 50 years The distinctive Australian daily Bible study resource of the Uniting Church reached a golden milestone last week. John Squires reflects on its story and significance. By Rev Dr John Squires, With Love to the World Editor The Uniting Church has a number of distinctive gifts to…
Reports expose modern slavery in supply chains
New reports expose modern slavery in supply chains The Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania in collaboration with Greenpeace have released two new reports shining the light on modern slavery hidden within global supply chains. On 3 March 2026, the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania – represented by their Senior Social…