Now, the showground is taking on people from the Kempsey community who have been told to evacuate their homes due to the rising floodwaters.

Kemspey Showground coordinator Lisa Powlesland said there are now over 80 people staying at the evacuation centre.

"It's exactly like the bushfires. We have people here from Disaster Welfare, The Salvation Army are keeping everyone fed and The Red Cross are also here providing support," Lisa told the Argus.

"Since we opened on Friday we've had more people coming in each day."

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There is currently an evacuation order for the Kempsey CBD and low lying areas as river levels get closer to breaking the levee.

"People are worried today because of the river levels and if it does break the banks then it will be bad," Lisa said.

The evacuation centre is unable to take on any livestock as a number of pens and the grounds are also underwater.

"We do have one horse and domestic dogs at the moment," Lisa said.

"But we're unable to take anymore livestock."

The Showground is also not taking any donations or volunteers from the community but have urged residents who want to help to reach out to the organisations assisting at the centre, including the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

A number of campers at the showground are also stranded and unable to travel home.

"We're doing welfare checks with them as well and making sure everyone has what they need," Lisa said.

The Kempsey evacuation centre is located at the Kempsey Showground at 19 Sea Street.

Another evacuation centre is also open at the South West Rcosk Country Club.

Stay up to date with the latest on the situation here.

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