Broke bouncing back after devastating floods

The Broke Fordwich wine region in the Hunter Valley suffered unprecedented flooding last last week, but many local businesses are preparing to re-open this weekend: July 15-17.

The flood of July 6 was the worst flood in the 198-year history of the village, devastating the township and its people, with over 50 houses having been severely impacted by the disaster. The image above shows the inundated Margan Estate vines.

Local businesses, including winery cellar doors, restaurants and accommodation, are urging people to show support and visit the region this weekend and in coming weeks.

Local winemaker Andrew Margan, who with wife Lisa runs Margan Estate, said the region has been severely impacted by the damage and is asking for support:

“The community of Broke, government bodies, and all of the people who have been on the ground helping to try and put our wonderful community back together again can only do so much,” he says.

“We urge people to come and visit the cellar doors and restaurants, buy wines online or in retail outlets. We are also asking for donations via our community GOFUND ME with 100% of funds going directly to those left without homes and insurance policies that don’t cover flood damage.”

The Broke Disaster Relief team is working in partnership with Resilience NSW to raise much needed funds for flood-affected families.

Visitors are asked to be mindful that the actual township of Broke is accessible only to residents. All the restaurants and cellar doors of the area are outside the village and will be accessible by the weekend.

While access to Broke is unaffected from Pokolbin via Cessnock Road, the road from Singleton to Broke is damaged and closed until further notice. Guests travelling from Singleton can access Broke via Hermitage Rd Pokolbin and also via Bulga and Milbrodale Road.

Learn more about Broke HERE, via a Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association video.

Buy wine here: https://www.winecountry.com.au/wine/buy-hunter-valley-wines