HANGING IN: Wendy and Kim Muffet of Girragirra Retreat have battled their third flood in a decade but remain committed to their sustainable eco-living paradise. RIGHT: The floodwaters last week meant the Muffet’s had to get their shopping via canoe. Images courtesy of Girragirra.
When Kim and Wendy Muffet decided to move from their farm 60kms west of Forbes, for the more tranquil and idyllic surrounds of Gum Swamp where they established the green living retreat known as Girragirra, Wiradjuri for “Be Well, Be Happy, Be Merry”, they knew there would be some challenges living on the floodplain.
Despite the third setback in less than a decade of living on and then running their small green eco-tourism business, Kim and Wendy, believe Girragirra will always be a magical place for guests to experience no matter what the season brings because it has been designed to be safely embedded in the beauty of the floodplain.
As former landholders and farmers themselves, the Muffet’s feel the pain of the loss and despair floods can bring. On the back of a COVID pandemic, Wendy acknowledges that for many, the losses will be devastating and she hopes that they can bounce back leading into Christmas.
“While we may have lost some bookings and other local businesses have lost thousands, our farmers have lost millions and they are the heart of the valley,” Wendy said.
“The river is the lifeblood and sadly, these disasters can happen in the floodplain.”
Three times in nine years in fact but Wendy isn’t prepared to let it destroy the dream of Girragirra Green Living.
“I love it out here. We both do and we understand floods contribute to the ecological health of the floodplain,” she said.
“Hopefully the water recedes soon enough and things start getting back to normal here at Girragirra and for everyone in the Forbes Shire,” Wendy said.
“Our heart goes out to all those impacted by the floods and we want to thank everyone who messaged us well wishes – we appreciate it!”
Go to www.girragirra.com for more info.