The days of sheltering from dust storms, saving bath water for parched gardens and sending farm kids to school for a shower may seem long ago for some in rural NSW.
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Since the worst drought on record began to ease in early 2020, the Black Summer bushfires, the mouse plague, floods and the pandemic have swept though the country.
The rolling disasters have left rural communities with little chance to reflect on the toll of surviving a years-long drought, Rural Adversity Mental Health Program coordinator Kate Arndell says.
Ms Arndell and three other Tamworth women were inspired to help after a community meeting in a northern tablelands town revealed the devastation still felt by many.
"People hadn't talked about it before and when they were offered the chance, there was a huge amount of grief and emotion, which they hadn't processed," Ms Arndell told AAP.
"It made me realise, we really need to acknowledge this."
The women have launched a project called My Drought Story, collecting images and stories from people around the state for a new book.
Copies of the book will be available at councils and libraries, reminding communities of their resilience during the record-breaking dry spell.
"Images and storytelling are so powerful, it's a good way to process emotions, which is important from a mental health perspective," Ms Arndell said.
"I want people to reflect on those images and think, 'Look how far I've come'."
Submissions have so far included comparison photographs of overflowing dams that were once bone dry, farm kids walking in dry paddocks, and canola crops prospering in welcome rain.
Ms Arndell said the book will not be limited to stories of farm life to reflect the far-reaching effects of drought.
"You might have people who own a property, and the wife also works at the hospital.
"Or the people who own the store on the main street, who have to lay people off if the farmers don't have money to spend.
"It affects a whole range of people within rural communities, not only farmers."
The project is funded by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, which has given drought resilience grants to community groups, town halls, environmental projects, and art exhibitions across country Australia.
My Drought Story is accepting submissions until September 18.
Australian Associated Press
