The Central Hotel is a classic country pub, two-storeys high with a century of memories within its walls.
Adorned with ornate lattice metalwork, the pub sits in the centre of Eugowra, in central west NSW, and is the first thing visitors see when they drive in from the east.
But the taps have been dry and the bar empty for almost 18 months, after a flash flood caused devastating damage in November 2022.
"The birds have taken over," owner Jeanette Norris told AAP, as a small swallow flew out from under the eaves.
"I said I was going to change the name from the Central to the Swallow Inn."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Ms Norris and other Eugowra locals on Friday, having first visited in the days after the sudden torrent razed much of the town.
Two residents died and 80 per cent of homes were damaged or destroyed when Mandagery Creek peaked at 11.2 metres on the morning of November 14, 2022.
Despite lingering signs of despair, the town looks brighter more than a year on, with buzzing cafes and farm trucks rattling through the streets.
"This was a community that had been devastated by the floods," Mr Albanese told reporters.
"The floodwaters here would have been ... up to my neck
"We had a tragic loss of life here in Eugowra and that pain doesn't go away but ... at the worst of times, we see the best of the Australian character."
Ahead of the first anniversary of the flood, the federal and NSW governments announced $100 million in joint funding for retrofits and raising of houses across the region.
The funding is part of $600 million in national flood relief provided since late 2022, Mr Albanese said.
But many in Eugowra worry the funds won't be enough to fully recover.
MP Andrew Gee said a planning committee looking to distribute the money came up short.
"There is still real need in this area," Mr Gee said, with a nod to the upcoming federal budget.
Mr Albanese anticipated more applications for financial help but said there were budgetary pressures.
"We don't walk around with cash," he said.
"We have proper processes, proper assessments and then provide support."
The prime minister was warmly welcomed by Eugowra residents having their morning coffee at the Fat Parcel food van.
He looked at rows of vintage cars lined up ahead of a community event, reminiscing about his youth.
"It's the coolest car in the world," Mr Albanese said of a bright yellow Holden Sandman ute.
Ms Norris showed Mr Albanese inside the pub that's been in her family since 1933, expressing hopes for help to renovate.
"It's always been where the old characters would come and sit," she told AAP.
"It's the heart of the town."
