Peter Hunter grew up by the sea, developing a lifelong love for water, which later shaped his deep connection to rivers and the natural environment.

He began his career in 1977, serving as a teacher and later a school principal, honing his skills in leadership and community engagement.

Peter transitioned into public service, joining the Renmark council and preparing for greater responsibilities within local government.

Elected as Renmark's mayor just before the 2022 floods hit, Peter faced this immediate challenge with determination and a collaborative spirit.

During the floods, Peter prioritised community communication, relied on local knowledge, and led with empathy, all while tackling misinformation and media challenges.

With an emphasis on teamwork, Peter worked closely with local councils, engineers, and even competitors, showcasing the power of unity in crisis management.

Thanks to the work of Peter and others, Renmark emerged with stronger community ties and improved flood preparedness, embodying resilience and hope for future challenges.

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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

Shannon worked initially in business and HR, then transitioned into local government nearly ten years ago, developing a passion for infrastructure while supporting management teams.

As an intelligence officer for the Renmark Paringa Council, she coordinated resources, working diligently with her team to prepare for the River Murray flood's impacts on the community.

Shannon emphasised leveraging local expertise, involving community members in flood response efforts, highlighting their significant role in managing the crisis effectively.

Coordinating inspections and repairs, she focused on restoring damaged roads and systems, ensuring crucial access routes remained operational during the flood.

Shannon's team monitored levees using GIS tools, maintaining a daily inspection regimen to promptly respond to any structural issues.

Ensuring transparency, she led communications, updating the community on recovery plans, and prioritising clear, ongoing dialogue through social media and public sessions.

Post-flood, Shannon applied learned lessons to strengthen future preparedness, fostering a culture of resilience and environmental appreciation within the community.

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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

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.

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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