365 days. Countless tears. Sleepless nights.
Exactly one year since the largest residential landslip in Australian history hit 16 homes at New Lambton, City of Newcastle is working with the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) to finalise a funding package to demolish crumbling homes and compensate residents for the loss of their land.
The human toll of the devastating natural disaster has been borne on the shoulders of almost 50 people.
People like Baker Street resident Caroline Garred, whose home was the first to be condemned.
"The last year has been quite chaotic and exhausting, my four-year-old still talks about the landslide, so I think she's still processing it," she said.
"We had been on the move quite a bit over the last few years. Once we bought that house, we finally took a deep breath and thought, 'Okay, we're not moving anymore'.
"So for us, it's the emotional burden that you carry. We're not settled yet through circumstances we can't control."
The site is still a declared danger area under an active evacuation notice. For the last year, residents of 16 properties have been unable to return home.
At a face-to-face meeting on Thursday, residents and landowners were given an update on the next stage of recovery.
City of Newcastle chief executive Jeremy Bath said residents will soon move from insurance-funded relocation to a 12-month package funded by the state government.
"We continue to work with the RA on behalf of the residents to identify a long-term solution that stabilises the ground," he said.
"Sadly, these works won't permit future development on the site."
Early estimates showed costs to restore the site could soar to more than $130 million.
Mr Bath said funding arrangements will require not-yet-committed contributions from the state and federal level, which means demolition works are not likely to start until early next year.
Ms Garred told the Newcastle Herald she felt disassociated from her home, saying it was no surprise the land was unable to be built on again.
"Especially with our piece of land, it's too dangerous, it's too unstable," she said.
"The fact that we've got rent paid for a year and that the RA are working with council in a good way is reassuring, but it doesn't stop with the RA, it has to go to state and federal.
"It's politics, it's actually down to politics in the truest form whether we get the funds or not."
Newcastle council has been locked in a stalemate with the RA for months, begging the state agency to take responsibility for recovery efforts.
Mr Bath said the situation had moved forward significantly since the geotechnical report was released in February.
"The report proved to be a turning point in our relationship with the RA as it demonstrated the critical severity of the landslip site," he said.
"We recognise the hardship faced by residents who have had to leave their homes and will continue to advocate on their behalf and keep them informed while assessments and recovery options are progressed by the RA.
"The cost of this support has been more than $2.5 million so far. I'd like to thank ratepayers for their understanding in permitting us to support the 16 evacuated families with what is effectively, their money."
The geotechnical report shows the landslip was the result of a natural disaster after two days of intense rainfall, with 198 millimetres falling on the night it occurred. The report also presents evidence the area had moved in 2015 and 2022.
The report identified extensive damage to essential public assets and found the pavements on Baker and Victoria streets are severely deformed.
RA chief executive Kate Fitzgerald said it is working closely with the council, residents and landowners.
"Recovery from events like this takes time, and progress can at times feel slow, but the RA remains committed to supporting council and residents as they consider future solutions," she said.
"I also want to acknowledge the residents directly affected by the landslip and reassure you that we remain here to support the council and help you navigate the recovery process."
Ward Three councillors will put forward a notice of motion at Tuesday's meeting to affirm the council's commitment to supporting residents and progressing recovery.
The council will mark the one-year anniversary of the landslip with a barbecue to thank NSW SES and volunteers for their service during the extreme weather event in 2025.
