Supplied: Fire and Rescue NSW
)Three people were rescued by bystanders and a fire crew that was in the area by chance after a sinkhole opened beneath their feet in north-west New South Wales last night.
NSW Fire and Rescue Superintendent Tom Cooper said the trio got trapped at about midnight near the Mehi River, which was rising from flood waters.
"Firefighters had been at the Moree hospital when they heard a bit of commotion and cries for help," he said.
"When firefighters realised what had happened, they saw a few people stuck in a sinkhole that collapsed under their feet.
"They'd gone to have a look at how high the flood waters were … there was a lot of concern regarding that last night, because we weren't sure when the river was going to peak.
Supplied: Fire and Rescue NSW
)"There were a couple of bystanders that were there and helped one person out and then the firies assisted the other two with ropes.
"They were checked out by the ambos and they were allowed to go home, but it was a shock for them.
"They're quite lucky that where they were standing wasn't too close to the river, which was flowing pretty quickly.
ABC News: Hannah Palmer
)'We'll keep going'
While the Mehi River in Moree peaked overnight, the clean-up job continued in other parts of the state.
Port Macquarie residents began returning to their homes after the Hastings River peaked on the weekend.
ABC News: Hannah Palmer
)Mary-ann and her partner Mick said it would take weeks to clean up the mud and debris that inundated the bottom floor of their home on near the river.
"It's hard, it's big, it's horrendous and devastating," Mary-ann said.
"We've lost pretty much everything and we'll never be back to where we were, but we are on our feet and we'll keep going from here."
ABC News: Luisa Rubbo
)Boots on the ground
Meanwhile, hundreds of volunteers and emergency service workers arrived in Port Macquarie, including the Australian Defence Force, Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue crews.
Lieutenant Alice Hudson said said there was plenty of work to do.
"In Port Macquarie, we have about 20 personnel, 20 in Taree and 20 in Kempsey and Macksville and 120 more on their way in the next two days," she said.
"They're mainly doing clearance tasks, clearing of debris and sandbags and removal of damaged products and goods.
"There's also a crew at Telegraph Point, helping the primary school relocate to West Port for the temporary school they are setting up for next week.
"It's hard-hitting to see us back a year later for more devastation, but Army is here to help our local community."
