When the devastating Murray River floods left a trail of destruction across South Australia, communities along the riverbanks faced an enormous challenge — rebuilding not only their homes but their way of life. At DE-Construct, we believe that foundational work goes beyond machinery and materials. It’s about people, resilience, and community. That belief came to life at the GISA River Murray Project, where our team stepped in to lend a helping hand to those still recovering from the impact of the floods.
A Team Effort Beyond the Worksite
Our involvement began as part of the Green Industries SA (GISA) River Murray Project, a large-scale initiative focused on safe and sustainable recovery efforts. DE-Construct was tasked with essential demolition work in the flood-affected areas — a responsibility that extended far beyond simply clearing sites. Every structure carried with it the story of a family, a small business, or a cherished local space.
As our crews worked through the region, it became clear that many residents were still struggling to restore even the smallest parts of normal life. The floods had wiped out gardens, community areas, and vital green spaces that once brought people together. That’s when an opportunity arose to help in a way that reflected the very heart of our company values.
Helping Rebuild the Blanchetown Community Garden
The Blanchetown Community Garden — once a thriving local hub — had been completely wiped out by floodwaters. Volunteers had already started tidying the space and applying for limited grant funding to rebuild, but they lacked one essential ingredient: soil.
When Jeffries, a well-known South Australian compost and soil supplier, kindly donated 4m³ of wicking-bed soil, there was still the logistical problem of getting it from Wingfield to Blanchetown, more than two and a half hours away. That’s when DE-Construct stepped in to help.
Our team arranged a clean truck and driver to transport the soil up to Blanchetown, ensuring it arrived in perfect condition for the garden recovery workshop scheduled for early April. The delivery may have seemed like a small act, but for the residents and volunteers, it represented a major milestone in their recovery journey.
Recognised by the Community — and the Media
The story quickly captured attention. ABC Adelaide gardening expert Sophie Thomson featured the project on her website, calling it her “good news story of the week.” She praised the collaboration between DE-Construct, Jeffries, Living Colour Nursery, and The Diggers Club, highlighting how local organisations came together to turn a donation of soil into a story of resilience and renewal.
“This is no ordinary pile of soil! It’s wicking-bed soil, and it’s my good news story of the week. After some calls, DE-Construct kindly arranged to have a clean truck collect the soil and drive it up to the community garden.”
Her recognition meant a lot — not just to our team, but to the entire Blanchetown community. It served as a reminder that companies in demolition, civil, and foundational works can play a meaningful role in community recovery and environmental restoration, especially when working alongside local partners toward a shared goal.
More Than Soil: Rebuilding Hope and Connection
Fourteen months after the floods, there were still over 240 homes awaiting demolition. Amid that ongoing recovery, the sight of fresh soil, seedlings, and volunteers working side by side brought renewed energy to Blanchetown. The wicking beds — designed for water efficiency and resilience — became symbols of growth in a region still healing from disaster.
Our contribution was just one piece of the puzzle, but it reflected what DE-Construct stands for: a commitment to doing the right thing, supporting local communities, and using our capabilities to create lasting, positive impact. Whether it’s a large civil project or a small community initiative, every job is an opportunity to make a difference.
A Shared Vision for Sustainable Recovery
The River Murray initiative showcases the power of collaboration between local organisations, businesses, and community volunteers. DE-Construct was proud to play a small but meaningful role in this broader recovery effort — supporting partners such as GISA, Jeffries, Living Colour Nursery, and The Diggers Club, who were instrumental in helping the community rebuild.
By helping deliver the donated soil to Blanchetown, we contributed to a shared goal of restoring not only the community garden but also the spirit of those who call the River Murray region home. Our involvement in this initiative reinforces our belief that real progress isn’t just about building — it’s about strengthening the foundations of community resilience.
Looking Ahead
The success of the River Murray Project has inspired us to continue seeking ways to support regional communities across South Australia. Whether through sustainable civil works, responsible demolition, or local partnership initiatives, DE-Construct is proud to be part of rebuilding what matters most — community.
Luke Foreman
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