Overview
- Deputy State Coroner David O'Neil closed the five-day hearing in Orange and said he will deliver findings as soon as possible, with the matter listed for call-over in January 2026.
- The State Emergency Service acknowledged its warnings were insufficient in scale and timeliness for the evacuation Eugowra needed.
- Evidence to the court indicated Bureau of Meteorology forecasts misjudged the height and timing of the flood after two upstream gauges failed.
- Mandagery Creek peaked at 11.02 metres, about a metre above the 1950 record, with damage reported to more than 80% of the town’s buildings.
- About 124 helicopter winch rescues were carried out as families of Diane Smith and Ljubisa 'Les' Vugec described lasting trauma and loss.