Prime Minister Tony Abbott shouted the bar at Dungog’s Bank Hotel during his visit to the storm-damaged town on Wednesday afternoon.
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Mr Abbott’s first stop was at the bottom end of Dowling Street where four houses washed away and others were left damaged beyond repair.
He was given a quick briefing from Federal Member for Paterson Bob Baldwin and Brigadier Darren Naumann before talking to some of the residents who lost all their belongings in the April 21 deluge.
The Bank Hotel was the next stop where he had a quiet word with owners Bruce and Eileen Clark before mingling with patrons.
Next stop was to the Dungog Shire Community Centre where he was told by manager Sarah U’Brien how they helped in the initial days after the disaster when the town was isolated by floodwater.
Ms U’Brien told the Prime Minister how the centre was continuing to work with those still affected and without homes to go back to.
It was then onto the Doug Walters Pavilion where Mr Abbott meet with emergency service personnel, those affected by the storm and local residents.
“When the storm hit you were front and centre of our thoughts,” he said.
“I was in Turkey for the Anzac centenary but I know there were good people back home helping as much as they could.
“I am very proud how the local people rallied to the cause and helped those who suffered in the first instance and are now helping to get things back to some normalacy.
“The physical and mental scars will take a long time to heal but your leaders are with you.
“Bob [Baldwin] will make sure Dungog is not left alone.
“People entitled to grants and loans will receive them so they can rebuild their lives.
“We all have difficulties and problems but I can see this is a town that rolls up its sleeves, counts its blessings and carries on.
“We will make sure you are not forgotten and do our darndest to make sure you are not alone.”